Image forming apparatus and image forming system

ABSTRACT

There are provided an image forming apparatus which is capable of efficiently performing necessary actions to thereby reduce downtime. At least one job can be registered. Image formation is performed according to the at least one registered job. Action objects are detected on which actions necessary for the image forming apparatus should be taken.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus andan image forming system which are capable of registering one or morejobs which should be executed within a predetermined time period.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus has been proposedwhich can be set to a copying mode, and if the apparatus has not beeninitialized to conditions necessary for the copying mode at the start ofa copying operation, notifies the operator of the fact by displayingnecessary information (see e.g. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication(Kokai) No. 11-174910). Therefore, if the apparatus has not beeninitialized to the necessary conditions, the operator is prompted totake actions, such as setting of initial conditions, execution ofadjustment on items which need to be adjusted for execution of thecopying operation, and execution of maintenance based on all maintenanceitems.

[0005] However, in such an image forming apparatus as described above,when a plurality of jobs are registered, the operator is prompted totake the above mentioned actions at the start of each job, which makesit inefficient to carry out the actions and therefore impossible toreduce downtime.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is a first object of the present invention to provide an imageforming apparatus and an image forming system which are capable ofefficiently performing necessary actions to thereby reduce downtime.

[0007] It is a second object of the present invention to provide animage forming apparatus and an image forming system which are capable ofefficiently performing adjustment based on adjustment items which needto be adjusted for execution of jobs to thereby reduce downtime.

[0008] It is a third object of the present invention to provide an imageforming apparatus and an image forming system which are capable ofnotifying an operator of maintenance items unnecessary to executemaintenance based thereon, to thereby reduce downtime owing tomaintenance.

[0009] To attain the first to third objects, in a first aspect of thepresent invention, there is provided an image forming apparatuscomprising a registration device that is capable of registering at leastone job, an image forming device that performs image formation accordingto the at least one registered job, and an action object-detectingdevice that detects action objects on which actions necessary for theimage forming apparatus should be taken.

[0010] With the arrangement of the image forming apparatus according tothe first aspect of the invention, action objects on which an actionnecessary for the image forming apparatus should be taken are detected.This makes it possible to efficiently take actions on the only actionobjects necessary for the image forming apparatus to thereby reducedowntime.

[0011] Preferably, the at least one job should be executed within apredetermined time period, and the action object-detecting devicecomprises an adjustment item-detecting device that detects items ofadjustment to be executed for the image forming apparatus as the actionobjects, from contents of the at least one registered job, the imageforming apparatus further comprising a display device that displays anadjustment table describing the items of adjustment detected by theadjustment item-detecting device, an adjustment item-selecting devicethat selects at least one item of adjustment on which adjustment shouldbe executed, from the items of adjustment described in the adjustmenttable displayed by the display device, and an adjustment executingdevice that executes adjustment on the at least one item of adjustmentselected by the adjustment item-selecting device.

[0012] With the arrangement of the preferred embodiment, items ofadjustment to be executed for the image forming apparatus are detectedfrom contents of the at least one registered job, and an adjustmenttable is displayed in which the items of adjustment are described. Anitem of adjustment on which adjustment should be executed is selectedfrom the items of adjustment described in the adjustment table, andadjustment is executed on the selected item of adjustment. This makes itpossible to efficiently perform adjustment on the items of adjustmentnecessary for execution of the at least one job, to thereby reducedowntime.

[0013] More preferably, the image forming apparatus further comprises anoutput device that outputs contents of the adjustment table displayed bythe display device.

[0014] More preferably, the image forming apparatus further comprises anadjustment contents-storing device that stores contents of theadjustment executed by the adjustment executing device.

[0015] More preferably, a post-processing apparatus is connected to theimage forming apparatus, and the items of adjustment include items ofadjustment for the post-processing apparatus.

[0016] To attain the first and third objects, preferably, the at leastone job comprises a plurality of jobs, and the action object-detectingdevice comprises a discriminating device that is operable when all ofthe at least one registered job are executed, to discriminate betweenitems which require execution of maintenance and items which do notrequire execution of maintenance from items of maintenance for the imageforming apparatus as the action objects, the image forming apparatuscomprising a display device that displays the items which requireexecution of maintenance and the items which do not require execution ofmaintenance in respective different manners of display according toresults of the discrimination by the discriminating device, and apermitting device that permits start of execution of the at least oneregistered job upon completion of maintenance on the items which requireexecution of maintenance.

[0017] With the arrangement of the preferred embodiment, in executingall of the at least one registered job, discrimination is carried outbetween items which require execution of maintenance and items which donot require execution of maintenance from items of maintenance for theimage forming apparatus, and the items which require execution ofmaintenance and the items which do not require execution of maintenanceare displayed in respective different manners of display, according toresults of the discrimination, and start of execution of the at leastone registered job is permitted upon completion of maintenance on theitems which require execution of maintenance. This makes it possible tonotify the operation of items of maintenance which do not requireexecution of maintenance, to thereby reduce downtime caused bymaintenance operations.

[0018] More preferably, one of the different manners of displaycomprises shading in gray the items.

[0019] More preferably, the image forming device comprises a pluralityof image forming devices, and the image forming apparatus furthercomprises a control device that controls the action object-detectingdevice, the display device, and the permitting device such that when theregistration device registers the at least one job, an image formingdevice which should execute image formation according to each of the atleast one job is selectively set from the plurality of image formingdevices, and the start of execution of the job is permitted inassociation with the set image forming device.

[0020] More preferably, the image forming apparatus further comprises amanagement device connected to the plurality of image forming devicesfor management thereof, and the management device has incorporatedwherein the registration device, the action object-detecting device, thedisplay device, the permitting device, and the control device.

[0021] To attain the first and third objects, preferably, the at leastone job comprises a plurality of jobs, and the action object-detectingdevice comprises a counting device that counts a number of times ofimage formation by the image forming device, an endurance limitcount-holding device that holds an endurance limit number of times ofoperation associated with each of components provided in the imageforming apparatus, an image formation number-of-time estimating devicethat estimates a count value by the counting device when all of the atleast one registered job are to be executed, as an estimated number oftimes of image formation, and a discriminating device that compares theestimated number of times of image formation estimated by the imageformation number-of-time estimating device with the endurance limitnumber of times of operation held by the endurance limit count-holdingdevice, and discriminates, based on results of the comparison, betweencomponents of which the endurance limit number of times of operationexceeds the estimated number of times of image formation and componentsof which the endurance limit number of times of operation does notexceed the estimated number of times of image formation, and the imageforming apparatus further comprises a display device that displays itemsindicative of the components of which the endurance limit number oftimes of operation exceeds the estimated number of times of imageformation and items indicative of the components of which the endurancelimit number of times of operation does not exceed the estimated numberof times of image formation, in respective different manners of displayaccording to results of the determination by the determining device, anda permitting device that permits start of execution of the at least oneregistered job, when maintenance of the components of which theendurance limit number of times of operation does not exceed theestimated number of times of image formation has been completed.

[0022] With the arrangement of the preferred embodiment, in executingall of the at least one registered job, the endurance limit number oftimes of operation associated with each of components provided in theimage forming apparatus is compared with the estimated number of timesof image formation, and discrimination is carried out, based on resultsof the comparison, between components of which the endurance limitnumber of times of operation exceeds the estimated number of times ofimage formation and components of which the endurance limit number oftimes of operation does not exceed the estimated number of times ofimage formation, and respective items indicative of the components ofwhich the endurance limit number of times of operation exceeds theestimated number of times of image formation and respective itemsindicative of the components of which the endurance limit number oftimes of operation does not exceed the estimated number of times ofimage formation are displayed in respective different manners of displayaccording to results of the discrimination. Start of execution of the atleast one registered job is permitted when maintenance of the componentsof which the endurance limit number of times of operation does notexceed the estimated number of times of image formation has beencompleted. This makes it possible to notify the operator of the items ofmaintenance which do not require execution of maintenance, to therebyreduce downtime caused by maintenance operations.

[0023] Preferably, one of the different manners of display comprisesshading in gray the items.

[0024] More preferably, the image forming device comprises a pluralityof image forming devices, and the image forming apparatus furthercomprises a control device that controls the action object-detectingdevice, the display device, and the permitting device such that when theregistration device registers the at least one job, an image formingdevice which should execute image formation according to each of the atleast one job is selectively set from the plurality of image formingdevices, and the start of execution of the job is permitted inassociation with the set image forming device.

[0025] More preferably, the image forming apparatus further comprises amanagement device connected to the plurality of image forming devicesfor management thereof, and the management device has incorporatedtherein the registration device, the action object-detecting device, thedisplay device, the permitting device, and the control device.

[0026] To attain the first and third objects, preferably, the at leastone job comprises a plurality of jobs, and the image forming apparatusfurther comprises a process configuration device that performsconfiguration of processes by the image forming device according to amode associated with each of the at least one job, the actionobject-detecting device comprising a measuring device that measures anambient environment value representative of an ambient environment ofthe image forming device, a holding device that holds the ambientenvironment value measured by the measuring device when the processconfiguration device performs the configuration of the processes, inassociation with the processes configuration, and a determining devicethat compares the ambient environment value held by the holding devicein association with the configuration of the processes by the processconfiguration device for each of the at least one registered job withthe ambient environment value measured by the measuring device, anddetermines, based on results of the comparison, whether or not it isnecessary to re-configure the processes, as the action objects, alreadyconfigured for each of the at least one registered job, the imageforming apparatus further comprising a display device that displaysrespective items indicative of process configurations associated withthe at least one registered job in respective different manners ofdisplay according to results of the determination by the determiningdevice, and a permitting device that permits start of execution of theat least one registered job, when configuration of the processes forjobs which require re-configuration of the processes already configuredhas been completed.

[0027] With the arrangement of the preferred embodiment, in executingall of the at least one registered job, it is determined whether or notit is necessary to re-configure the processes already configured foreach of the at least one registered job, and respective items indicativeof process configurations associated with the at least one registeredjob are displayed according to results of the determination, inrespective different manners of display. Start of execution of the atleast one registered job is permitted when configuration of theprocesses for jobs which require re-configuration of the processesalready configured has been completed. This makes it possible to notifythe operator of items of maintenance which do not require execution ofmaintenance, to thereby reduce downtime caused by maintenanceoperations.

[0028] More preferably, out of the items indicative of the processconfigurations associated with the at least one registered job, thedisplay device causes items indicative of process configurations whichdo not require re-configuration, to be shaded in gray.

[0029] More preferably, the image forming device comprises a pluralityof image forming devices, and the image forming apparatus furthercomprises a control device that controls the action object-detectingdevice, the display device, and the permitting device such that when theregistration device registers the at least one job, an image formingdevice which should execute image formation according to each of the atleast one job is selectively set from the plurality of image formingdevices, and the start of execution of the job is permitted inassociation with the set image forming device.

[0030] More preferably, the image forming apparatus further comprising amanagement device connected to the plurality of image forming devicesfor management thereof, and the management device has incorporatedtherein the registration device, the action object-detecting device, thedisplay device, the permitting device, and the control device.

[0031] To attain the first and third objects, preferably, the at leastone job comprises a plurality of jobs, and the image forming apparatuscomprises a plurality of sheet feeding devices that feed sheets to theimage forming device, and a switching device that switches between thesheet feeding devices according to a mode associated with each of the atleast one registered job, the action object-detecting device comprisingsheet feeding number-of-time counting devices that are provided inassociation with respective ones of the sheet feeding devices, forcounting numbers of times of sheet feeding from the sheet feedingdevices, detecting devices that are provided in association withrespective ones of the sheet feeding devices, for detecting respectivenumbers of sheets that the sheet feeding devices contain and adiscriminating device that compares, for respective ones of the sheetfeeding devices used when all of the at least one registered job areexecuted, the respective numbers of sheets with respective requirednumbers of times of sheet feeding to be counted by a corresponding oneof the sheet feeding number-of-time counting devices, and based onresults of the comparison, discriminates ones of the sheet feedingdevices of which the respective numbers of sheets, as the actionobjects, are smaller than the respective required numbers of sheets, andones of the sheet feeding devices of which the respective numbers ofsheets are equal to or larger than the respective required numbers ofsheets, the image forming apparatus comprising a display device thatdisplays items indicative of the ones of the sheet feeding devices ofwhich the respective numbers of sheets are smaller than the respectiverequired numbers of sheets, and items indicative of the ones of thesheet feeding devices of which the respective numbers of sheets areequal to or larger than the respective required numbers of sheets, inrespective different manners of display according to results of thediscrimination by the discriminating device, and a permitting devicethat permits start of execution of the at least one registered job, whenreplenishment of sheets to the ones of the sheet feeding devices ofwhich the respective numbers of sheets are smaller than the respectiverequired number of sheets, is completed.

[0032] With the arrangement of the preferred embodiment, in executingall of the at least one registered job, for each of the sheet feedingdevices used for executing all of the at least one registered job, thenumbers of sheets are compared with required numbers of times of sheetfeeding to be counted by sheet feeding time counting devices,respectively, and based on results of the comparison, discrimination isperformed between ones of the sheet feeding devices of which therespective numbers of sheets are smaller than the required numbers ofsheets, and ones of the sheet feeding devices of which the numbers ofsheets are equal to or larger than the required numbers of sheets, andaccording to results of the discrimination by the discriminating device,items indicative of the ones of the sheet feeding devices of which thenumbers of sheets are smaller than the required numbers of sheets,respectively, and items indicative of the ones of the sheet feedingdevices of which the numbers of sheets are equal to or larger than therequired numbers of sheets, respectively, are displayed in respectivedifferent manners of display. Start of execution of the at least oneregistered job is permitted when replenishment of sheets to the ones ofthe sheet feeding devices of which the maximum numbers of sheets aresmaller than the required number-of sheets, is completed.

[0033] More preferably, one of the different manners of displaycomprises shading in gray the items.

[0034] More preferably, the image forming device comprises a pluralityof image forming devices, and the image forming apparatus furthercomprises a control device that controls the action object-detectingdevice, the display device, and the permitting device such that when theregistration device registers the at least one job, an image formingdevice which should execute image formation according to each of the atleast one job is selectively set from the plurality of image formingdevices, and the start of execution of the job is permitted inassociation with the set image forming device.

[0035] More preferably, the image forming apparatus further comprises amanagement device connected to the plurality of image forming devicesfor management thereof, and the management device has incorporatedtherein the registration device, the action object-detecting device, thedisplay device, the permitting device, and the control device.

[0036] To attain the first and third objects, in a second aspect of thepresent invention, there is provided an image forming system comprisingat least one image forming apparatus, a management apparatus connectedto the at least one image forming apparatus for communicationtherebetween, for managing the at least one image forming apparatus, aregistration device that is capable of registering at least one objectto be executed by the at least one image forming apparatus, an imageforming device that performs image formation according to each of the atleast one job registered by the registration device, and an actionitem-detecting device that detects items of actions necessary forperforming the image formation.

[0037] With the arrangement of the image forming system according to thesecond aspect of the invention, items of actions necessary forperforming the image formation are determined from the at least oneregistered job, a management apparatus is interconnected to at least oneimage forming apparatus, for management of the at least one imageforming apparatus, items necessary for image formation according to eachof at least one job registered by a registration device are detected.This makes it possible to efficiently perform the necessary actionsnecessary for execution of the at least one job, to thereby reducedowntime.

[0038] To attain the first and third objects, preferably, the at leastone job should be executed within a predetermined time period, and theaction item-detecting device comprises an adjustment item-detectingdevice that detects items of adjustment to be executed for the imageforming apparatus as the action objects, from contents of the at leastone registered job, the image forming apparatus further comprising adisplay device that displays an adjustment table describing the items ofadjustment detected by the adjustment item-detecting device, anadjustment item-selecting device that selects at least one item ofadjustment on which adjustment should be executed, from the items ofadjustment described in the adjustment table displayed by the displaydevice, and an adjustment executing device that executes adjustment onthe at least one item of adjustment selected by the adjustmentitem-selecting device.

[0039] With the arrangement of the preferred embodiment, items ofadjustment to be executed for each of the at least one image formingapparatus are detected from contents of the at least one registered job,and an adjustment table is displayed in which the items of adjustmentare described. An item of adjustment on which adjustment should beexecuted is selected from the items of adjustment described in theadjustment table, and adjustment is executed on the selected item ofadjustment. This makes it possible to efficiently perform adjustment onthe items of adjustment necessary for execution of the at least one job,to thereby reduce downtime.

[0040] The above and other objects of the invention will become moreapparent from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041]FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the arrangement of animage forming system according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0042]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an MFP 104appearing in FIG. 1;

[0043]FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematicallyshowing details of the arrangement of a scanner section 201 including anIP section 202, appearing in FIG. 2;

[0044]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the IPsection 202;

[0045]FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a FAX section203 appearing in FIG. 2;

[0046]FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a NIC section204 and a PDL section 205 appearing in FIG. 2;

[0047]FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a coresection 206 appearing in FIG. 2;

[0048]FIG. 8A is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a PWMsection 207 and a printer section 208 appearing in FIG. 2;

[0049]FIG. 8B is signal waveform diagram showing waveforms of respectiveoutput signals from a triangular wave generator 801, a D/A conversionsection 802, a comparator 803 appearing in FIG. 8A;

[0050]FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing details ofthe arrangement of the printer section 208 of the MFP 104 appearing inFIG. 1;

[0051]FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing details ofthe arrangement of a printer section 208 of an MFP 105 appearing in FIG.1;

[0052]FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a displaysection 210 appearing in FIG. 2;

[0053]FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of mode-specificadjustment items associated with modes of the MFP's 104, 105 appearingin FIG. 1;

[0054]FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of operations in anadjustment process executed by the MFP 104 appearing in FIG. 1;

[0055]FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of a screen displaying anadjustment table, which is displayed in a step S1207 of the flowchartshown in FIG. 13;

[0056]FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of a printing setup screendisplayed in a step S1209 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 13;

[0057]FIG. 16 is longitudinal cross-sectional view showing thearrangement of a stapling mechanism of a finisher 106;

[0058]FIG. 17 is longitudinal cross-sectional view showing thearrangement of the stapling mechanism of the finisher 106;

[0059]FIG. 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematicallyshowing the arrangement of a trimmer;

[0060]FIG. 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematicallyshowing the arrangement of the trimmer;

[0061]FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an image forming systemaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0062]FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a procedure of operations executedin association with a work flow of an operator of the image formingsystem shown in FIG. 20;

[0063]FIG. 22 is a view showing an example of an initial screendisplayed on a server 3101 appearing in FIG. 20;

[0064]FIG. 23 is a view showing an example of a screen displayingmaintenance items for an image forming apparatus 3103 appearing in FIG.20;

[0065]FIG. 24 is a view showing an example of a screen displayingmaintenance items for an image forming apparatus 3102 appearing in FIG.20;

[0066]FIG. 25 is a view showing an example of a screen for configuringsettings of an-adjustment sequence for the image forming apparatus 3103;

[0067]FIG. 26 is a view showing view showing an example of a screen forconfiguring an adjustment sequence for the image forming apparatus 3102;

[0068]FIGS. 27A and 27B are flowchart showing a maintenance processexecuted in a step S103 in FIG. 21;

[0069]FIG. 28 is a view showing an example of a data registration menuscreen displayed on the sever 3101;

[0070]FIG. 29 is a view showing an example of a job registration menuscreen displayed on the server 3101;

[0071]FIG. 30 is a view showing an example of an apparatus statusdisplay screen showing a status of the image forming apparatus 3103;

[0072]FIG. 31 is a view showing an example of an apparatus statusdisplay screen showing a status of the image forming apparatus 3102;

[0073]FIG. 32 is a view showing an example of a screen displayinginformation of cassette-by-cassette settings of sheets set in sheet feedcassettes of the image forming apparatus 3102;

[0074]FIG. 33 is a view showing an example of a screen displayinginformation of cassette-by-cassette settings of sheets set in sheet feedcassettes of the image forming apparatus 3103;

[0075]FIG. 34 is a view showing an example of a screen displaying atime-change component status of the image forming apparatus 3103;

[0076]FIG. 35 is a view showing an example of a screen displaying atime-change component status of the image forming apparatus 3102;

[0077]FIG. 36 is a view showing an example of a screen displaying astatus of consumables of the mage forming apparatus 3103;

[0078]FIG. 37 is a view showing an example of a screen displaying astatus of consumables of the mage forming apparatus 3103;

[0079]FIG. 38 is a view showing an example of a screen displaying astatus of consumables of the mage forming apparatus 3102;

[0080]FIG. 39 is a view showing an example of a screen displaying astatus of consumables of the mage forming apparatus 3102;

[0081]FIG. 40 is a view showing an example of a screen displaying astatus of software counter consumables of the mage forming apparatus3103;

[0082]FIG. 41 is a view showing an example of a screen displaying astatus of software counter consumables of the mage forming apparatus3102;

[0083]FIG. 42 is a view showing an example of a screen for configuring adown sequence for the image forming apparatus 3103;

[0084]FIG. 43 is a view showing an example of a screen for configuring adown sequence for the image forming apparatus 3102;

[0085]FIG. 44 is a view showing an example of a screen for configuring athick paper mode for the image forming apparatus 3103;

[0086]FIG. 45 is view showing an example of a screen for configuring athick paper mode for the image forming apparatus 3102;

[0087]FIG. 46 is a view showing an example of a mode-specific adjustmentscreen for down sequence adjustment for the image forming apparatus3103;

[0088]FIG. 47 is a view showing an example of a mode-specific adjustmentscreen for down sequence adjustment for the image forming apparatus3102;

[0089]FIG. 48 is a view showing an example of a mode-specific adjustmentscreen for thick paper mode adjustment for the image forming apparatus3103;

[0090]FIG. 49 is a view showing an example of a mode-specific adjustmentscreen for thick paper mode adjustment for the image forming apparatus3102;

[0091]FIG. 50 is a view showing an example of a screen displaying a listof items of replacement/cleaning/replenishment for the image formingapparatus 3103;

[0092]FIG. 51 is a view showing an example of a screen displaying a listof items of replacement/cleaning/replenishment for the image formingapparatus 3103;

[0093]FIG. 52 is a view showing an example of a screen displaying a listof items of replacement/cleaning/replenishment for the image formingapparatus 3102;

[0094]FIG. 53 is a view showing an example of a screen displaying a listof items of replacement/cleaning/replenishment for the image formingapparatus 3102;

[0095]FIG. 54 is a view showing an example of a sheet feedcassette-related process screen for the image forming apparatus 3103;

[0096]FIG. 55 is a view showing an example of a sheet feedcassette-related process screen for the image forming apparatus 3102;

[0097]FIG. 56 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the server3101;

[0098]FIG. 57 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the imageforming apparatus 3102;

[0099]FIG. 58 is a perspective view showing the appearance the imageforming apparatus 3102;

[0100]FIG. 59 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing details ofthe internal construction of the image forming apparatus 3102;

[0101]FIG. 60 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the imageforming apparatus 3103;

[0102]FIG. 61 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing details ofthe internal construction of the image forming apparatus 3103; and

[0103]FIG. 62 is a view showing locations of replacement parts used inthe image forming apparatus 3102.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0104] The present invention will now be described in detail withreference to the accompanying drawings showing preferred embodimentsthereof.

[0105]FIG. 1 schematically shows the arrangement of an image formingsystem according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system is comprised of acomputer 102 as a server, computers 103 a, 103 b as clients, MFP's(Multi Function Peripherals) 104, 105, and a network 101 through whichthese apparatuses are interconnected. It is to be understood thatnumerous computers (not shown) as clients are connected to the network101 in addition to the computers 103 a, 103 b. Hereafter, the numerouscomputers as clients, including the computers 103 a and 103 b, will begenerically referred to as the computer 103.

[0107] The MFP 104 is a color MFP capable of performing full-colorscanning and printing. In the MFP 104, output sheets for printing arestacked on trays 108, 109, 110 of a finisher section 106. On the otherhand, the MEP 105 is a monochrome MFP capable of performing monochromescanning and printing. In the MFP 105, output sheets for printing arestacked on trays 111, 112, 113 of a finisher section 107.

[0108] Further, devices and apparatuses, such as MFP's other than theabove-mentioned ones, scanners, printers and facsimiles, not shown, areinterconnected on the network 101.

[0109] On the computer 103, application software for carrying outso-called DTP (Desk Top Publishing) operates for generation/editing ofvarious documents/graphics. The computer 103 converts the generateddocuments/graphics to the PDL (Page Description Language). The PDL isdelivered to the MFP 104 (105) via the network 101 to be printed out.

[0110] The MFP's 104, 105 have communication means capable of exchanginginformation with the computers 102, 103 via the network 101, wherebyinformation and statuses of the MFP's are sequentially notified to thecomputers 102, 103. On each of the computers 102, 103, there isinstalled utility software operable in response to information from theMFP 104 or 105, for managing the MFP 104 or 105.

[0111] Next, the arrangement of the MFP 104 will be described withreference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the arrangementof the MFP 104. The MFP 104 and the MFP 105 are different from eachother in that the former is a full-color MFP and the latter is amonochrome MFP. However, in many cases, a full-color apparatus includesthe arrangement of a monochrome apparatus, and therefore, hereafter adescription will be mainly given of the MFP 104 as the color MFP, withthe MFP 105 as the monochrome MFP being additionally described asrequired.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 104 is comprised of a scanner section201 that reads an image, an IP (image processing) section 202 thatprocesses the image read by the scanner section 201, a FAX section 203that transmits and receives images using a telephone line, typified by afacsimile, an NIC (Network Interface Card) section 204 that transmitsand receives image data and apparatus information using a network, a PDLsection 205 that develops PDL sent from the computer 103 into an imagesignal, and a core section 206 that temporarily stores the image signaldepending on the manner of use of the MFP 104 and determines a path forthe signal.

[0113] Image data outputted from the core section 206 is delivered via aPWM (Pulse Width Modulation) section 207 to a printer section 208 thatperforms image formation. In the printer section 208, an image isprinted on a sheet (output sheet) based on the image data, and the sheetis delivered to a finisher section 211 (corresponding to the finishersection 106 appearing in FIG. 1) In the finisher section 211, aplurality of sheets delivered from the printer section 208 are subjectedto post-processing as required, and then sequentially stacked on anassociated tray.

[0114] Further, connected to the core section 206 is a display section210 for displaying image data from the core section 206. This functionof the display section 210 enables execution of so-called preview forconfirming the state of an image before printing. Further, the displaysection 210 is capable of displaying operation information outputtedfrom the PDL section 205 via the core section 206.

[0115] Next, the arrangement of the scanner section 201 will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a longitudinalcross-sectional view showing details of the arrangement of the scannersection 201 including the IP section 202 appearing in FIG. 2.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 3, the scanner section 201 has an originalplaten glass plate 301 on which an original 302 to be read is placed.The original 302 on the original platen glass plate 301 is irradiatedwith light from an illuminating lamp 303, and reflected light from theoriginal 302 is reflected by mirrors 304, 305, 306 and then focusedthrough a lens 307 onto a CCD sensor 308 to form an image thereon. TheCCD sensor 308 converts the formed optical image into an electricsignals and then outputs the signals. More specifically, the CCD sensor308 is a color sensor comprised of three line sensors of RGB (red,green, blue), and outputs respective image signals (electric signals) ofRGB. The mirror 304 and the illuminating lamp 303 are installed in afirst mirror unit 310, which moves at a velocity of v. The mirrors 305,306 are installed in a second mirror unit 311, which moves at a velocityof 0.5 v. The movement of the first and second mirror units 310, 311causes the surface of the original 302 to be scanned for reading. Thefirst and second mirror units 310, 311 are driven by a motor 309.

[0117] Next, the arrangement of the IP section 202 will be describedwith reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing thearrangement of the IP section 202.

[0118] The IP section 202 includes an A/D conversion section 401 thatreceives the electric signals (RGB) from the CCD sensor 308 as imagesignals. The electric signals (RGB) from the CCD sensor 308 aresubjected to gain adjustment and offset adjustment in the A/D conversionsection 401, and then converted into 8-bit digital image signals R0, G0,B0 by an A/D converter thereof on a color signal-by-color signal basis.The digital image signals R0, G0, B0 are inputted to a shadingcorrection section 402, and known shading correction is performed oneach of the digital image signals R0, G0, B0 using a read signal from astandard white board on a color-by-color basis. The line sensors of theCCD sensor 308 are arranged in predetermined spaced relation, andtherefore the signals delivered from the shading correction section 402after execution of shading correction have their spatial deviation inthe sub scanning direction corrected by a line interpolating section 403implemented by line delay adjusting circuits.

[0119] The image signals outputted from the line interpolating section403 are inputted to an input masking section 404. The input maskingsection 404 converts a read color space determined depending on spectralcharacteristics of R, G, B filters of the CCD sensor 308 to a standardcolor space pursuant to the NTSC (National Television System Committee)standards, and performs 3×3 matrix operation using an apparatus-specificconstant set in view of characteristics, such as the sensitivitycharacteristics of the CCD sensor 308 and the spectral characteristicsof the illuminating lamp 303, to thereby convert the digital imagesignals R0, G0, B0 into standard R, G, B signals.

[0120] The R, G, B signals from the input masking section 404 areinputted to a LOG converter section 405 as a luminance-to-opticaldensity converter section. The LOG converter section 405 includes a RAMstoring a lookup table (LUT), and converts the R, G, B signals asluminance signals to respective optical density signals C1, M1, Y1.

[0121] The optical density signals C1, M1, Y1 are inputted to an outputmasking section 406 implemented by output masking/UCR (Under ColorRemoval) circuits. The output masking section 406 converts the opticaldensity signals C1, M1, Y1 into respective Y (yellow), M (magenta), C(cyan) and K (black) signals indicative of toner colors by matrixoperation, and corrects C1, M1, Y1, K1 signals based on the R, G, Bsignals read by the CCD sensor 308 into C, M, Y, K signals based on thespectral distribution characteristics of toners, and outputs the C, M,Y, K signals.

[0122] Then, in a gamma correction section 407, gamma conversion isperformed on the C, M, Y, K signals using a RAM storing a lookup table(LUT) for correction by taking the color tone characteristics of tonersinto consideration, whereby the C, M, Y, K signals are converted to C,M, Y, K data for image output. The data are subjected to sharpness orsmoothing by a spatial filter 408, and then delivered to the coresection 206.

[0123] In the case of the MFP 105, which performs monochrome imageprocessing, A/D conversion and shading are executed for a single colorby a monochrome 1-line CCD, whereafter input/output masking, gammaconversion and spatial filtering may be performed in the mentionedorder, or alternatively processing may be executed in the same procedureas in the MFP 104.

[0124] Next, the arrangement of the FAX section 203 will be describedwith reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing thearrangement of the FAX section 203.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 5, the FAX section 203 receives a signal of datafrom a telephone line, and carries out voltage conversion of the signalin an NCU 501, A/D conversion and modulation in a modulating section 504of a modem section 502, and then developing the data into raster imagedata in an expansion section 506. In general, the run length method isemployed for compression and expansion, referred to hereinafter, in theFAX section 203. The image data converted into the raster image data istemporarily stored in a memory section 507, and checked for transfererror of the image data. After being confirmed that there is no transfererror, the image data is sent to the core section 206.

[0126] When the FAX section transmits data, an image signal of rasterimage data inputted from the core section 206 is compressed e.g. by therun length method in a compression section 505 and subjected to D/Aconversion and modulation in a modulating section 503 of the modemsection 502, followed by being sent to the telephone line via the NCU501.

[0127] Next, the arrangement of the NIC section 204 will be describedwith reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing thearrangement of the NIC section 204 appearing in FIG. 2 and that of thePDL section 205 also appearing in FIG. 2.

[0128] The NIC section 204 has a function of interfacing with thenetwork 101. This interface function is to exchange information with anexternal apparatus using an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable, suchas a 10Base-T cable or a 100Base-TX cable.

[0129] When the NIC section 204 receives a signal of information from anexternal apparatus, first, the received signal is subjected to voltageconversion in a transformer 601, and then delivered to a LAN controller602. The LAN controller 602 includes a first buffer memory (not shown)for storing information carried by the received signal, and determineswhether or not the information is necessary information, and thendelivers the information from the first buffer memory to a second buffermemory (not shown), whereafter the information is outputted to the PDLsection 205.

[0130] When the NIC section 204 transmits a signal of information to anexternal apparatus, necessary information is added to data inputted fromthe PDL section 205, by the LAN controller 602, whereafter the data issent to the network 101 via the transformer 601 as the signal.

[0131] Next, the arrangement of the PDL section 205 will be describedwith reference to FIG. 6.

[0132] Image data generated by application software operating on thecomputer 103 is written in a PDL (Page Description Language) which is acombination of image-describing elements, such as character codes,graphic codes, and raster image data, for describing text, graphics anda photograph, respectively. The PDL is typified by the PostScript(registered trademark) language of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

[0133] The PDL section 205 converts the PDL data into raster image data.In doing this, first, the PDL data outputted from the NIC section 204 isdelivered via a CPU 603 to a large-capacity memory 604 implemented e.g.by a hard disk drive (HDD) and stored in the memory 604, as shown inFIG. 6. In the memory 604, data is managed and stored on a job-by-jobbasis. Then, the CPU 603 carries out so-called raster image processing(RIP) to thereby develop the PDL data into raster image data. Theobtained raster image data is stored in a fast accessible memory 605implemented e.g. by a DRAM such that the C, M, Y, K color components ofthe data are separately stored in units of pages, on a job-by-job basis.Each page of the stored raster image data is delivered to the coresection 206 via the CPU 603 in accordance with the status of the printersection 208. Further, in the PDL section 205, operation information isgenerated and delivered to the display section 210 via the core section206.

[0134] Next, the arrangement of the core section 206 will be describedwith reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing thearrangement of the core section 206 appearing in FIG. 2.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 7, the core section 206 includes a bus selector701. The bus selector 701 is in charge of performing, so to speak,traffic control in the case where the MFP 104 (105) is used. Morespecifically, the bus selector 701 switches buses according to selectedfunctions of the MFP 104 (105), such as copying, network scanning,network printing, facsimile transmission/reception, or screen display.

[0136] For execution of the functions (1) to (6) enumerated below,respective data paths are selected by bus switching, as follows:

[0137] (1) copying: scanner section 201→core section 206→printer section208

[0138] (2) network scanning: scanner section 201→core section 206→NICsection 204

[0139] (3) network printing: NIC section 204→core section 206→printersection 208

[0140] (4) facsimile transmission: scanner section 201→core section206→FAX section 203

[0141] (5) facsimile reception: FAX section 203→core section 206→printersection 208

[0142] (6) screen display: scanner section 201, FAX section 203 or NICsection 204→core section 206→display section 210

[0143] Image data outputted via the bus selector 701 is delivered to theprinter section 208 (PWN section 207), the display section 210 or thefinisher section 211 via a compression section 702, a memory section 703comprised of a large-capacity memory implemented e.g. by a hard diskdrive (HDD), and an expansion section 704. The compression section 702employs a common compression method, such as JPEG, JBIG or ZIP. Thecompressed image data is managed on a job-by-job basis, and stored inthe memory section 703, together with additional data including a filename, a creator, a preparation date and time, and a file size.

[0144] Further, if a job number and a password are set and storedtogether with the above data, it is possible to support a personal boxfunction. This function is not only for temporarily storing data butalso for preventing the data from being printed out (read out from thememory section 703) by a person other than a certain personauthenticated by the password. When an instruction is given for printoutof a stored job, authentication is executed based on the password, andthen corresponding data is read from the memory section 703 and expandedinto raster image data in the expansion section 704, followed by beingdelivered to the printer section 208.

[0145] Next, the arrangement of the PWN section 207 will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B. FIG. 8A is a block diagram showingthe arrangement of the PWN section 207 appearing in FIG. 2 and that ofthe printer section 208 also appearing in FIG. 2, while FIG. 8B is adiagram showing respective waveforms of output signals from a triangularwave generator 801, a D/A conversion section 802, and a comparator 803each appearing in FIG. 8A. It should be noted that there are providedPWM sections 207 for the Y, M, C, K colors, respectively. However, inFIG. 2, they are collectively shown as the PWN section 207, and in FIG.8A, reference numeral 207 designates a specific one of the specific PWMsections.

[0146] Image data subjected to color-separation into Y, M, C, K colorsand outputted from the core section 206 (or monochrome image data in thecase of the MFP 105) pass through the respective associated PWN sections207 to the printer section 208, wherein they are subjected to imageformation. As shown in FIG. 8A, the PWN section 207 includes thetriangular wave generator 801 and the D/A conversion section 802 thatconverts an inputted digital image signal to an analog signal. A signal(corresponding to a waveform “a” appearing in FIG. 8B) from thetriangular wave generator 801 and an analog signal (corresponding to awaveform “b” appearing in FIG. 8B) from the D/A conversion section 802have respective values thereof compared with each other by thecomparator 803, and the results of comparison are delivered as an outputsignal (corresponding to a waveform “c” appearing in FIG. 8B) from thecomparator 803 to a laser driving section 804. Each of semiconductorlasers 805 provided for the C, M, Y, K colors emits a laser beamaccording to an output signal from the associated one of the comparators803 supplied with the C, M, Y, K analog signals. The laser beams arescanned by a polygon scanner 913, and applied onto photosensitive drums917, 921, 925, 927, described in detail hereinbelow with reference toFIG. 9, respectively.

[0147] Next, the arrangement of the printer section 208 of the color MFP104 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is alongitudinal cross-sectional view showing details of the arrangement ofthe printer section 208 of the MFP 104 appearing in FIG. 1.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 9, the printer section 208 includes the polygonmirror 913, which receives the four laser beams emitted from therespective four semiconductor lasers appearing in FIG. 8A. One of thefour laser beams reaches the photosensitive drum 917 via mirrors 914,915, 916 to scan the same. Another laser beam reaches the photosensitivedrum 921 via mirrors 918, 919, 920 to scan the same. Still another laserbeam reaches the photosensitive drum 925 via mirrors 922, 923, 924 toscan the same, and the other laser beam reaches the photosensitive drum929 via mirrors 926, 927, 928 to scan the same.

[0149] A laser beam corresponding to the yellow (Y) analog signal formsan electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 917. Thiselectrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image by yellowtoner supplied from a developing device 930. A laser beam correspondingto the magenta (M) analog signal forms an electrostatic latent image onthe photosensitive drum 921. This electrostatic latent image isvisualized as a toner image by magenta toner supplied from a developingdevice 931. A laser beam corresponding to the cyan (C) analog signalforms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 925. Thiselectrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image by cyan tonersupplied from a developing device 932. A laser beam corresponding to theblack (K) analog signal forms an electrostatic latent image on thephotosensitive drum 927. This electrostatic latent image is visualizedas a toner image by black toner supplied from a developing device 933.Thus, the toner images of the four colors (Y, M, C, K) are formed on thephotosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, 929, respectively. The color tonerimages are transferred onto a sheet fed from one of sheet cassettes 934,935 and a manual feed tray 936.

[0150] The sheet fed from one of the sheet cassettes 934, 935 and themanual feed tray 936 passes between a registration roller pair 937 to beattracted to a transfer belt 938 and conveyed by the transfer belt 938.The sheet is fed (conveyed) in timing synchronous with formation of therespective color toner images on the photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925,929, and the color toner images are transferred onto the conveyed sheet.After the color toner images are transferred onto the sheet, the sheetis separated from the transfer belt 938 by a separator 962 and thendelivered to a fixing device 940 by a conveyor belt 939. In the fixingdevice 940, the toner images on the sheet are fixed to the sheet bybeing heated under pressure. After having passed through the fixingdevice 940, the sheet is discharged from the printer section 208 via aswitching flapper 950, or alternatively introduced into a double-sidedconveying path 971.

[0151] The sheet introduced into the double-sided conveying path 971 isreversed and then conveyed to a double-sided conveying section 970. Thedouble-sided conveying section 970 feeds the sheet again in the sametiming as described above. Thus, images can be printed on both sides ofthe sheet.

[0152] The four photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, 929 are arranged inequally spaced relation at intervals of distance d; each sheet isconveyed by the transfer belt 938 at a constant speed v; and the foursemiconductor lasers 805 are driven in timing synchronous withconveyance of the sheet.

[0153] Next, the arrangement of the printer section 208 of themonochrome MFP 105 will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing details of thearrangement of the printer section 208 of the MFP 105.

[0154] In the printer section 208 of the monochrome MFP 105, a polygonmirror 1013 receives a laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser805, as shown in FIG. 10. The laser beam reaches a photosensitive drum1017 via mirrors 1014, 1015, 1016 to scan the same, whereby anelectrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1017.The electrostatic latent mage formed on the photosensitive drum 1017 isvisualized as a toner image by black toner supplied from a developingdevice 1030. This toner image is transferred onto a sheet fed from oneof sheet cassettes 1034, 1035 and a manual feed tray 1036. The sheet fedfrom one of the sheet cassettes 1034, 1035 and the manual feed tray 1036passes between a registration roller pair 1037 to be attracted to atransfer belt 1038 and conveyed by the transfer belt 1038 in timingsynchronous with formation of the toner image on the photosensitive drum1017. After the toner image is transferred onto the sheet, the sheet isseparated from the transfer belt 1038 and then delivered to a fixingdevice 1040. In the fixing device 1040, the toner image on the sheet isfixed to the sheet by being heated under pressure. After having passedthrough the fixing device 1040, the sheet is discharged from the printersection 208 via a switching flapper 1050, or alternatively introducedinto a double-sided conveying path 1071.

[0155] The sheet introduced into the double-sided conveying path 1071 isreversed and then conveyed to a double-sided conveying section 1070. Thedouble-sided conveying section 1070 feeds the sheet again in the sametiming as described above. Thus, images can be printed on both sides ofthe sheet.

[0156] Next, the arrangement of the display section 210 ill be describedwith reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing thearrangement of the display section 210.

[0157] As shown in FIG. 11, the display section 210 includes an inverseLOG converter section 1101. The inverse LOG converter section 1101converts image data outputted as CMYK data from the core section 206 toRGB data. A gamma conversion section 1102 performs gamma-conversion ofthe RGB data using a lookup table, so as to adapt the RGB data to thecolor characteristics of a display device 1104 formed e.g. by a CRT(Cathode Ray Tube). After the gamma conversion, the image data is storedin a memory 1103, and then an output image corresponding to the imagedata is displayed on the display device 1104. This enables the displaydevice 1104 to realize a preview function of previewing an output imagefor confirmation or a proof reading function of allowing an operator tocheck whether an image to be outputted is identical to the intendedimage. Further, the display section 210 is also used as an operatingdisplay section, and therefore provided with a plurality of hard keys.The display device 1104 is provided with a touch panel, not shown, onwhich soft keys, not shown, and information for setting modes and so onis displayed based on operation information generated by the PDL section205. Inputs via the soft keys are delivered to the CPU 603 of the PDLsection 205, and the contents of the inputs are stored therein.

[0158] Next, a description will be given of network utility softwareoperating on the computers 103, 102.

[0159] In a network interface part (the NIC section 204 and the PDLsection 205) of the MFP 104 (105), a standardized database called theMIB (Management Information Base) is constructed, and the MFP 104 (105)can communicate with the computers 102, 103 on the network 101 based ona network management protocol called the SNMP (Simple Network ManagementProtocol). This enables the computers 102, 103 to manage the MFP's 104,105 and other devices and apparatuses, such as scanners, printers andfacsimile machines, interconnected on the network 101.

[0160] On the computer 102 (103), software programs called utilities areoperating which enable the computer 102 (103) to exchange requiredinformation with the MFP 104 (105) via the network 101 using the MIBbased on the SNMP.

[0161] For example, the use of the MIB makes it possible to detectequipment information indicative of whether or not the finisher section211 (corresponding to the finisher section 106 or 107 in FIG. 1) isconnected to the MFP 104 (105) and status information indicative ofwhether or not printing is currently allowed, as well as to write,change, or confirm the name, installation site, and so forth of the MFP104 (105). In short, the operator of the computer 102 (103) can confirminformation of the MFP 104 (105) connected to the network 101, on thecomputer 102 (103). Further, by distinguishing between the computer 102as a server and the computer 103 as a client, it is possible to imposelimitations on reading/writing of the above-mentioned information.

[0162] Thus, the use of the function described above allows the operatorof the computer 102 (103) to obtain all information about the equipmentand status of the MFP 104 (105), the settings of the network 101, themanagement and control of the use state, and the history of jobs in theMFP 104 (105), etc. via the computer 102 (103).

[0163] Next, processes for adjusting the MFP 104 (105) will be describedwith reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example ofmode-specific adjustment items associated with modes of the MFP's 104,105 appearing in FIG. 1.

[0164] In the MFP 104 (105), one or more jobs to be executed within apredetermined time period, e.g. one day, are registered in advance. Thejobs are executed in order of registration. Before a first registeredjob is started, processing described below is executed on the MFP 104(105) e.g. in response to a predetermined input (adjustment confirmationinput) by the operator. Upon receiving the operator's predeterminedinput, first, the MFP 104 (105) prepares an adjustment table listingitems of adjustment necessary for execution of the one or moreregistered jobs, based on the information of the jobs, and displays theadjustment table on the display section 210. Then, one of 'theadjustment items in the displayed adjustment table, which should beexecuted, is selected, and adjustment is executed based on the selectedadjustment item, followed by writing the contents or details of theexecuted adjustment in the adjustment table. Further, it is possible toprint out the list of the adjustment items or a specific adjustment itemin the displayed adjustment table as required.

[0165] Each adjustment item which needs to be adjusted for execution ofa job corresponds to a mechanical part which requires adjustmentdepending on each of modes included in the job, and adjustment based oneach adjustment item is automatically executed by the MFP 104 (105). Theadjustment items are specified in advance on a mode-by-mode basis asshown in FIG. 12. The example shown in FIG. 12 is a portion extractedfrom a typical adjustment table, and therefore this is not limitative.The illustrated example includes the adjustment items of clutchadjustment (CL adjustment) and air adjustment for each sheet type.Clutch adjustment is performed according to the type of a sheet becausedifferent types of sheets slide differently when a clutch is engaged ordisengaged. Further, air adjustment is performed according to the typeof a sheet because the feeding of sheets by air requires adjustment ofthe amount of blown air according to the type of a sheet.

[0166] Further, different models of apparatuses or devices may requiredifferent adjustment items. In such a case, mode-specific adjustmentitems can be provided on a model-by-model basis.

[0167] Next, an adjustment process executed by the image formingapparatus according to the present embodiment will be described withreference to FIGS. 13 to 15. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the adjustmentprocess executed by the MFP 104 in FIG. 1. FIG. 14 is a view showing anexample of a screen displaying an adjustment table, which is displayedin a step S1207 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 13, and FIG. 15 is a viewshowing an example of a printing setup screen displayed in a step S1209of the flowchart shown in FIG. 13. The adjustment process shown by theflowchart in FIG. 13 is not only executed by the MFP 104 but alsosimilarly executed by the MFP 105.

[0168] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, first in a stepS1201, settings of a job (type of an original, a double-sided mode or asingle-side mode, detailed information of a post-processing mode, suchas setting of a stapling mode, numerical values, etc.) entered via thecomputer 102 (103) by the operator are read in. The setting of a job(inputting of settings of a job) can also be performed via the displaysection 210 of the MFP 104 used as the operating display section. Then,in a step S1202, it is determined whether or not the setting of a job iscompleted. If the setting of a job (hereinafter also referred to as “thejob setting”) is not completed, the process returns to the step S1201.When there are a plurality of jobs which need to be set, the steps S1201and S1202 are repeatedly executed, whereby each of the set jobs (data ofsettings thereof) is stored in the memory 604 of the PDL section 205.

[0169] When the job setting is completed (YES to S1202), it isdetermined in a step S1203 whether any of the one or more stored jobsincludes the double-sided mode. If there is a job including thedouble-sided mode, adjustment items related to the double-sided mode aretabulated in a step S1204, whereby a double-sided mode adjustment table1401, described in detail hereinafter with reference to FIG. 14, isformed. The adjustment items related to the double-sided mode includethe items of sensor adjustment for sensors in the double-sided conveyingpath 971 and registration adjustment in the double-sided conveyingsection 970, for example. Then, the process proceeds to a step S1205. Onthe other hand, if there is no job including the double-sided mode, theprocess skips over the step S1204 to the step S1205.

[0170] In the step S1205, just as in the step S1203, it is determinedwhether or not any of the one or more stored jobs includes the staplingmode. If there is a job including the stapling mode, adjustment itemsrelated to the stapling mode are tabulated in a step S1206, whereby astapling mode adjustment table 1402, described in detail hereinafterwith reference to FIG. 14, is formed. The adjustment items related tothe stapling mode include the items of staple position adjustment andstaple width adjustment in the case of double staple, for example. Then,the process proceeds to a step S1207. On the other hand, if there is nojob including the stapling mode, the process skips over the step S1206to the step S1207.

[0171] In the step S1207, the respective lists of the adjustment tables1401, 1402 generated in the steps S1204 and S1206 are displayed on thedisplay section 210 in response to a predetermined input from theoperator, and the operator selects adjustment items for execution ofadjustment, from the adjustment tables 1401, 1402. The adjustment tables1401, 1402 are displayed as illustrated in FIG. 14 by way of example. Inthe illustrated example, there is shown a list display screen showingthe adjustment tables 1401, 1402 for the double-sided mode and thestapling mode. The operator carries out an operation for selectingbetween execution and non-execution of each adjustment (i.e. depressionof an associated soft key) on the screen. In the present example, forthe double-sided mode, the operator has selected “Not adjust” for aconveyance sensor, “Adjust” for a lateral registration sensor, and“Adjust” for the clutch. Further, for the stapling mode, “Adjust” isselected for each of the staple position and the staple width. When an“Apply” key is depressed, it is judged that selection of the adjustmentitems is completed, and the printing setup screen is displayed.

[0172] Then, in a step S1208, it is determined, based on the operator'soperation on the printing setup screen, whether or not the adjustmenttables 1401, 1402 or selected adjustment items are to be printed out.The printing setup screen is displayed as illustrated in FIG. 15 by wayof example. The illustrated example shows a screen which displays theitems, “Adjust” and “Not adjust” set in the step S1207, and on which theoperator can select whether or not the whole list of adjustment items isto be printed out. Further, it is also possible to select “Print” foradjustment items for which “Adjust” has been selected, to therebyinstruct printout of operating procedures of adjustment for theadjustment items or the like.

[0173] If it is determined in the step S1208 that the adjustment tables1401, 1402 or selected adjustment items are to be printed out, printoutof the adjustment tables 1401, 1402 or the selected adjustment items iscarried out in a step S1209. The printout is executed by the MFP 104(105) itself. Then, the process proceeds to a step S1210. On the otherhand, if it is determined in the step S1208 that the printout is not tobe executed, the process skips over the step S1209 to the step S1210.

[0174] In the step S1210, adjustment operations are executed based onthe adjustment items selected in the step 51207. Then, in a step S1211,adjustment data concerning the adjustment items based on which theadjustment operations have been executed are stored and written into theadjustment tables 1401, 1402, followed by terminating the presentprocess.

[0175] Next, the arrangement of a stapling mechanism included in thefinisher section 106 and adjustment of the mechanism will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. The arrangement of a staplingmechanism included in the finisher section 107 and the adjustment of themechanism can be described similarly to those of the finisher section106, and therefore a description thereof is omitted. FIGS. 16 and 17 arelongitudinal cross-sectional views showing the arrangement of thestapling mechanism of the finisher section 106.

[0176] The finisher section 106 has a single stapler 7 capable ofstapling a sheet bundle at a plurality of positions thereof while movingin a direction of width of the sheet bundle. The finisher 106 has aframe 1351 secured to a body thereof. The frame 1351 is formed withguide grooves 1352 that guide a first moving base 1356 moving in thedirection of width of the sheet bundle. A pulse motor 1353 is disposedon the frame 1351, and the driving force of the pulse motor 1353 istransmitted to the first moving base 1356 via a timing belt 1355stretched between pulleys 1354 a and 1354 b. The first moving base 1356has guide pins (not shown) engaged with the respective guide grooves1352. The guide pins enable the first moving base 1356 to move smoothlyalong the guide grooves 1352 on the frame 1351 in a direction indicatedby an arrow B. On the frame 1351, there is provided a home positionsensor 1365 that detects the home position of the first moving base1356. The home position sensor 1365 detects a home position flag 1350 ofthe first moving base 1356.

[0177] In the illustrated example, the home position of the stapler 7 isset to a position for stapling the left side end of the sheet bundleappearing in FIG. 16, and when the right side end of a sheet bundleappearing in FIG. 17 is to be stapled, the first moving base 1356 ismoved with a traveling distance thereof controlled by the number ofpulses delivered from a motor driver (not shown) to the pulse motor1353.

[0178] Next, a description will be given of operation of the stapler 7for stapling a sheet bundle on a tray “b” of a finisher 106.

[0179] A second moving base 1357 has four roller bearings 1358, viawhich it is engaged with guide grooves (not shown) formed on the firstmoving base 1356, for motion in directions indicated by an arrow A. Apulse motor 1359 is provided on the first moving base 1356, and thedriving force thereof is transmitted to a link 1361 provided on thefirst moving base 1356 via timing belts 1363, 1364 to rotate the link1361. The link 1361 includes an arm 1362 a and pins 1362 b, and the pins1362 b are engaged with the second moving base 1357. Consequently, onerotation of the link 1361 causes the second moving base 1357 to performone reciprocating motion in the directions A. Further, one stroke of thelink 1361 is adjusted to the distance from a retreat position of thestapler 7 to a clinch position of the same, so that one rotation of thelink 1361 enables the stapler 7 to perform a series of operations fromstapling to retreat. Therefore, it is possible to easily staple a sheetbundle on each bin b at two positions by the single stapler 7.

[0180] When the staple position adjustment and the staple widthadjustment are selected as adjustment items for the stapling mechanismconstructed as above, the number of motor pulses is automaticallyadjusted based on data set for the adjustment items, to thereby adjustthe staple position and staple width.

[0181] Next, the arrangement of a trimmer and adjustment of the trimmerwill be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. FIGS. 18 and 19 arelongitudinal cross-sectional views schematically showing the arrangementof the trimmer.

[0182] The finisher section 106 (107) has a saddle stitching function.The trimmer 1600 shown in FIG. 18 is used to cut and trim the side endsof a sheet bundle saddle-stitched by the finisher section 106 (107). Thetrimmer 1600 is connected to the finisher section 106 (107) to receive asheet bundle saddle-stitched by the finisher section 106 (107).

[0183] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, a saddle-stitched sheetbundle 1622 is conveyed into the trimmer 1600 via an inlet roller pair1602. The sheet bundle 1622 is further conveyed by conveying rollers andconveying roller pairs 1603, 1605, 1606, 1611, 1612 until the leadingend of the sheet bundle 1622 abuts on a stopper 1614. When the sheetbundle 1622 passes an inlet sensor 1604, a pusher 1619 for dischargingthe sheet bundle 1622 is retracted to a predetermined position.

[0184] After the leading end of the sheet bundle 1622 abuts on thestopper 1614, to uniformly cut and trim the trailing end of the sheetbundle 1622, a presser plate 1609 is lowered, as shown in FIG. 19, anddriven rollers 1608, 1610 apply pressure to the sheet bundle 1622 viathe presser plate 1609 to thereby cause the same to be fixed inposition. Then, a cutter 1607 is lowered toward the sheet bundle 1622and cuts the trailing end of the sheet bundle 1622 by a predeterminedcutting amount (i.e. at a predetermined cutting position). After thecutting operation, the stopper 1614 is retreated downward, and the sheetbundle 1622 is conveyed by the conveying rollers 1611, 1612 and thendischarged into a space between a holder plate 1618 and a pusher plate1619 by discharge rollers 1616, 1615, 1617. Thereafter, the holder plate1618 is lowered, and in a manner interlocked with the motion of theholder plate 1618, the pusher plate 1619 pushes and discharges the sheetbundle 1622 toward sheet bundles already stacked.

[0185] Adjustment items for the trimmer 1600 include the cutting amountas described above. Normally, the cutting amount is set according to asheet type, and therefore the stopper 1614 is shifted to a positioncorresponding to a set cutting amount.

[0186] When a trimmer of the above-mentioned kind is connected to theimage forming apparatus, a step of determining whether or not there is ajob including a trimmer mode and a step of generating a trimmer modeadjustment table may be added to the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 tothereby enable selection and setting of adjustment items for the trimmermode.

[0187] Similarly, in adjustment in the case where there is a jobincluding the double-sided mode, the sensor adjustment, the clutchadjustment, the lateral registration position adjustment, etc. in thedouble-sided conveying section 970 (1070) of the MFP 104 (105) arecarried out.

[0188] As described above, in the present embodiment, when there are oneor more jobs to be executed within a predetermined time period, theoperator is informed of the items of adjustment necessary for each job,and adjustment is carried out based on adjustment items selected by theoperator. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently perform adjustmentfor items which need to be adjusted before execution of a job, wherebydowntime can be reduced.

[0189] Although in the present embodiment, the case where the MFP 104(105) automatically executes adjustment based on selected adjustmentitems has been described, this is not limitative, but even when anadjustment item is associated with a mechanical part which requiresmanual adjustment, for example, it is possible to at least inform theoperator of the adjustment item. In this case, the operatorhimself/herself has to carry out the adjustment, but it can be avoidedthat the operator fails to carry out the adjustment but carries out anextra operation, such as readjustment during execution of a job.

[0190] Further, although in the present embodiment, adjustment items aredisplayed and selected in each of the MFP's 104, 105, a screen forselecting adjustment items for the MFP's 104, 105 may be displayed onthe computer 102 as a server, for example. In this case, the computer102 may detect a mode or modes necessary for execution of eachregistered job through communication with the MFP's 104, 105 anddisplays the screen for selecting adjustment items for the MFP's 104,105, and in such a case, it is preferred that the computer 102 sends theMFP's 104, 105 information indicative of the selected adjustment items,thereby providing control such that the MFP's 104, 105 performadjustment based on the selected adjustment items. This makes itpossible to obtain the same advantageous effects as describedhereinabove.

[0191] Further, the computer 102 may register and manage jobs to beexecuted by the MFP 104 (105), and sequentially transfer the jobs to theMFP 104 (105). In this case, the same processing as describedhereinabove is executed.

[0192] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 20 is ablock diagram showing the arrangement of an image forming systemaccording to the second embodiment.

[0193] As shown in FIG. 20, the image forming system according to thesecond embodiment includes a server 3101, an image forming apparatus3102 as a monochrome digital copying machine, and an image formingapparatus 3103 as a color digital copying machine. The server 3101 isinterconnected to each of the image forming apparatuses 3102, 3103through a network 3106. The server 3101 and the image formingapparatuses 3102, 3103 may be connected by hardware in place of thenetwork 3106.

[0194] The server 3101 receives image print jobs inputted via variousmedia, such as MO's and CD's, and the Internet, and stores these in astorage device, such as a hard disk drive. At this time, priorities ofprocessing are assigned to the respective image print jobs, anddestinations of transfer of the image print jobs are assigned to theimage forming apparatuses. Further, the server 3101 is capable ofgrasping job execution states, condition settings, and so forth of theimage forming apparatuses 3102, 3103 through communication therewith,and performing centralized control of the image forming apparatuses3102, 3103.

[0195] In the present embodiment, for maintenance by an operator,judging from the contents of all image print jobs held in the server3101 for execution, the server 3101 grasps the maintenance history andcurrent conditions of the image forming apparatus 3102 (3103) and, asdescribed in detail hereinafter, deactivate display of maintenance itemswhich do not require execution of maintenance at present. This makes itpossible for the operator to skip unnecessary items in a maintenancework flow.

[0196] First, the arrangement of the server 3101 will be described withreference to FIG. 56. FIG. 56 is a block diagram showing the arrangementof the server 3101 appearing in FIG. 20.

[0197] As shown in FIG. 56, the server 3101 is comprised of a CPU 3111,a ROM 3112 storing a BIOS, a RAM 3113 that provides a work area for theCPU 3111, a LAN I/F (interface) 3114 for connection to the network 3106,a modem 3115 for connection to the Internet, an input I/F 3116 to whichare connected a mouse 3117 and a keyboard 3118, a disk driver 3119 fordriving a hard disk (HD) 3120, a media I/F 3121 for use in mounting aremovable medium, such as an MO or a CD, and a display driver 3122 fordriving a display 3123 implemented by a liquid crystal display. Thedisplay 3123 has a touch panel attached to a screen thereof. Therefore,it is possible to display soft keys on the screen of the display 3123,and various inputs and settings can be executed using the soft keys.

[0198] Next, the arrangement of the image forming apparatus 3102 andthat of the image forming apparatus 3103 will be described withreference to FIGS. 57 to 61. FIG. 57 is a block diagram showing thearrangement of the image forming apparatus 3102 appearing in FIG. 20.FIG. 58 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the imageforming apparatus 3102, while FIG. 59 is a longitudinal cross-sectionalview showing details of the internal construction of the same. FIG. 60is a perspective view showing the appearance of the image formingapparatus 3103 appearing in FIG. 20, while FIG. 61 is a longitudinalcross-sectional view showing details of the internal construction of thesame.

[0199] As shown in FIG. 57, the image forming apparatus 3102 includes ascanner section 3301 that reads an image, an IP (image processing)section 3302 that processes the image read by the scanner section 3301,a NIC section 3304 that receives and transmits image data and apparatusinformation, using the network 3106, a PDL section 3305 that developsPDL data sent from the server 3101 into an image signal, and a coresection 3306 that stores the image signal and determines a path for thesignal.

[0200] Image data outputted from the core section 3306 is delivered viaa PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) section 3307 to a printer section 3308for forming an image. In the printer section 3308, an image is printedon a sheet based on the image data, and the sheet is outputted.

[0201] Further, connected to the core section 3306 is an operatingsection 3309 including a liquid crystal display panel with a touchpanel, which displays operation information outputted via the coresection 3306, etc., and various operating keys for use in mode setting,etc. In the present embodiment, only settings associated with a copyingoperation will be described as an example of settings inputted via theoperating section 3309, and descriptions of the other settings areomitted.

[0202] As shown in FIG. 58, the image forming apparatus 3102 is equippedwith an original feeder 4001, and left and right decks 4033, 4032 andcassettes 4034, 4035, which contain sheets. Further, on the front faceof the apparatus, there is mounted a front cover 4007 that is opened forjam recovery or component replacement/adjustment. On the right side faceof the apparatus, there are mounted an original discharge tray 4002, amanual feed tray 4003, an upper-stage vertical path cover 4004, alower-stage vertical path cover 4005 and a waste toner box/drumprotecting sheet pocket 4006. Further, on the top of the apparatus,there is disposed an operating section 4008 (corresponding to theoperating section 3309 in FIG. 57).

[0203] Next, a description will be given of the internal construction ofthe image forming apparatus 3102. Here, the mechanical construction ofthe printer section 3308 will be described. As shown in FIG. 59, theimage forming apparatus 3102 includes a photosensitive drum 4017 onwhich an electrostatic latent image is formed by scanning of a laserbeam emitted from a CCD unit 4010. Around the photosensitive drum 4017,there are arranged a primary electrostatic charger 4018, a developingdevice 4030, a transfer device 4031, and a cleaner section 4019. Theelectrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 4017 isvisualized as a toner image by black toner supplied from the developingdevice 4030. Toner to be supplied by the developing device 4030 iscontained in a toner cartridge 4030 a.

[0204] The toner image on the photosensitive drum 4017 is transferred bythe transfer device 4031 onto a sheet fed from one of the left and rightdecks 4033, 4032, the cassettes 4034, 4035, and the manual feed tray4003. The sheet fed from one of the sheet cassettes 4034, 4035 and themanual feed tray 4003 is sent into space between the photosensitive drum4017 and the transfer device 4031 in synchronism with formation of thetoner image.

[0205] After the toner image is transferred onto the sheet, the sheet isconveyed to a fixing device 4040 by a conveyor belt 4020. In the fixingdevice 4040, the toner image on the sheet is thermally fixed to thesheet by being heated under pressure. The fixing device 4040 includes afixing roller 4040 a and a pressure roller 4040 b. The fixing roller4040 a incorporates a heater (not shown) for controlling the surfacetemperature of the fixing roller 4040 a to a predetermined temperature,and the surface temperature of the fixing roller 4040 a is detected byfixing temperature detecting means (not shown) implemented by a mainthermistor and a sub thermistor. The heater is comprised of a mainheater and a sub heater, and fixing temperature control is performed byusing the main and sub heaters. In the fixing temperature control, it isdetermined, depending on the result of detection by the fixingtemperature detecting means, that only the main heater is to be used,that only the sub heater is to be used, or that both of them are to beused, and based on the determination, one or both of the heaters areenergized. The amount of AC power to be supplied to each of the heatersis controlled so as to perform the fixing temperature control in afine-grained manner. The control of the amount of AC power to besupplied is performed by causing an AC driver having a PWM function tochange a threshold value of AC current as AC input.

[0206] After having passed through the fixing device 4040, the sheet isdischarged from the printer section 3308 via a switching flapper 4050,or alternatively introduced into a double-sided conveying path 4071. Thesheet introduced into the double-sided conveying path 4071 is reversedand then conveyed to a double-sided conveying section 4070. Thedouble-sided conveying section 4070 feeds the sheet again inpredetermined timing. Thus, images can be formed on both sides of thesheet.

[0207] Next, a description will be given of the image forming apparatus3103. It should be noted that the arrangement of blocks of the imageforming apparatus 3103 is basically the same as to that of blocks of theimage forming apparatus 3102 described hereinabove, and therefore adescription thereof is omitted.

[0208] As shown in FIG. 60, the image forming apparatus 3103 hascassettes 934, 935 and a paper deck 951 each containing sheets, mountedthereon. On the front face of the apparatus, there are provided aleft-side front cover 904 and a right-side front cover 903, and on theright side face of the apparatus, there is provided a multi-feedersection 936. Further, on the top of the apparatus, there are arranged anoperating section 905 and a hopper lid 901 fitted on a tonerreplenishing port (not shown). In the present embodiment, it is assumedthat just as in the image forming apparatus 3102, the operating section905 is only used for setting for a copying operation, but not forsetting the other modes.

[0209] Further, as shown in FIG. 61, the internal construction of theimage forming apparatus 3103 is the same as that shown in FIG. 9 exceptthat the paper deck 951 is mounted, and therefore a description of theinternal construction of the image forming apparatus 3103 is omitted.

[0210] Next, an operation screen displaying process executed on thedisplay 3123 of the server 3101 will be described with reference toFIGS. 21 to 55.

[0211]FIG. 22 is a view showing an example of an initial screendisplayed on the display 3123 of the server 3101 appearing in FIG. 20.When a soft key displayed on the screen 3201 of the display 3123 istouched (depressed), corresponding information is inputted. On theinitial screen, representative items of a work flow for an operator aredisplayed, and at the same time, current ambient temperature andhumidity as well as date and time are also displayed. The ambienttemperature and humidity are detected by sensors (not shown) disposed inthe vicinity of the image forming apparatus 3102 (3103). The currentdate and time is outputted from a built-in clock.

[0212] The work flow for the operator in the initial screen will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 21. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing aprocedure of operations for the work flow for an operator of the imageforming system in FIG. 20. The operations are executed by the server3101, based on a program stored in the hard disk 3120.

[0213] First in a step S101, it is determined whether or not dataregistration and job registration are completed. An image print job isinputted by data registration. Data registration and job registrationare executed, respectively, on a data registration menu screen and a jobregistration menu screen, each of which will be described in detailhereinafter. In the illustrated example of FIG. 22, data registration iscompleted, and in this case, an arrow from “Data registration” is filledin with black, and the other arrows are hollow. The operator understandsfrom this display of the arrows on the initial screen in FIG. 22 thatthe step of job registration is to be carried out next.

[0214] If data registration and job registration are completed in thestep S101, it is determined in a step S102 whether or not a maintenancekey has been depressed. The maintenance key mentioned here is adisplayed portion of “Maintenance” in FIG. 22. When this displayedposition is depressed, the screen is switched to a display ofmaintenance items, whereby a maintenance process is allowed to beexecuted. At this time, an arrow between a job registration key (“Jobregistration”) and the maintenance key is filled in with black.

[0215] If it is determined in the step S102 that the maintenance key hasbeen depressed, the maintenance process, described in detailhereinafter, is executed in a step S103, followed by the processproceeding to a step S104. At this time, an arrow between themaintenance key and a job start key (“Job Start”) is filled in withblack. In the step S104, it is determined whether or not the maintenancekey has been depressed again. If the maintenance key has been depressedagain, the process returns to the step S103. On the other hand, if themaintenance key has not been depressed, the process proceeds to a stepS105, wherein it is determined whether or not the data registration keyor the job registration key has been depressed. If the data registrationkey or the job registration key has been depressed, the process returnsto the step S101.

[0216] If it is determined in the step S105 that neither the dataregistration key nor the job registration key has been depressed, it isdetermined in a step S106 whether or not the job start key has beendepressed. If the job start key has not been depressed, the processreturns to the step S104. On the other hand, if the job start key hasbeen depressed, the process proceeds to a step S107, wherein the server3101 transmits data of image print jobs to the image forming apparatus3103 and the image forming apparatus 3102, according to the contents ofthe jobs registered in the step S101, to cause the image formingapparatus 3103 and the image forming apparatus 3102 to perform an imageforming operation.

[0217] Next, the maintenance process executed in the step S103 will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 23 to 27B. FIG. 23 is a view showingan example of a screen displaying maintenance items for the imageforming apparatus 3103 appearing in FIG. 20. FIG. 24 is a view showingan example of a screen displaying maintenance items for the imageforming apparatus 3102 appearing in FIG. 20. FIG. 25 is a view showingan example of a screen for configuring settings of an adjustmentsequence for the image forming apparatus 3103. FIG. 26 is a view showingview showing an example of a screen for configuring an adjustmentsequence for the image forming apparatus 3102. FIGS. 27A and 27B areflowchart showing the maintenance process executed in the step S103 inFIG. 21.

[0218] When the maintenance key is depressed on the initial screen inFIG. 22, the initial screen is switched to the screen shown in FIG. 23.Further, when another machine key (“Other machine”) is depressed on thescreen in FIG. 23, the screen is switched to the screen shown in FIG.24. When an adjustment sequence key (“Adjustment sequence”) is depressedon the screen in FIG. 23, the screen is switched to the screen shown inFIG. 25. On the screen in FIG. 25, it is possible to change settings ofmaintenance items involving an adjustment sequence. The adjustment ofthe adjustment sequence and a process for determining whether eachassociated key should be displayed in black on a white background(hereinafter referred to as “black on white”) or shaded in gray(hereinafter referred to as “shaded”) will be described hereinafter.

[0219] When an adjustment sequence key (“Adjustment sequence”) isdepressed on the screen in FIG. 24, the screen is switched to the screenshown in FIG. 26. Switching between the screen in FIG. 25 and the screenin FIG. 26 is performed by depressing another machine key (“Othermachine”) on the screen in FIG. 25. When the screen in FIG. 25 is to beswitched back to the screen in FIG. 23, a return key (“Return”) isdepressed on the screen in FIG. 25. Similarly, when the screen in FIG.26 is to be switched back to the screen in FIG. 24, a return key isdepressed on the screen in FIG. 26. On the screen in FIG. 25, theadjustment items of “Down sequence adjustment” and “Thick paper modeadjustment” (i.e. a down sequence adjustment key and a thick paper modeadjustment key) are shaded, which means that these items do not requireadjustment. Since the adjustment items on the screen in FIG. 25 are allshaded, the adjustment sequence key on the screen in FIG. 23 is alsoshaded.

[0220] Differently from the display on the screen in FIG. 25, when allthe adjustment items are displayed in black on white as shown on thescreen in FIG. 26, it is necessary to perform adjustment based on allthe adjustment items, and upon completion of the adjustment, theadjustment items become all shaded. When the adjustment items on thescreen in FIG. 26 are all shaded due to completion of the adjustmentbased thereon, the adjustment sequence key on the screen in FIG. 24 isalso shaded. Similarly, a replacement/cleaning/replenishment key(“Replacement/cleaning/replenishment”) and a job sequence key (“Jobsequence”) on the screen in each of FIGS. 23 and 24 are also shadedafter completion of respective adjustments. The adjustment based on theitems of the replacement/cleaning/replenishment and the job sequence,and a determination as to whether each key associated therewith shouldbe displayed in black on white or shaded will be described hereinafter.Insofar as the display of the other machine key is concerned, when allthe items on the screen in FIG. 25 or 26 are shaded, an other machinekey displayed on the associated screen is shaded.

[0221] A description will be given of the maintenance process based onthe screen specifications described above.

[0222] In the maintenance process, as shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B, first,in a step S201, on a currently displayed maintenance screen (the screenin FIG. 23 or 24), the item keys (the adjustment sequence key, thereplacement/cleaning/replenishment key, the job sequence key) are allshaded. This maintenance screen is initially a screen displayed inresponse to depression of the maintenance key in the step S102, and thedefault screen may be the screen in FIG. 23 or the screen in FIG. 24.

[0223] Then, in a step S202, the adjustment sequence key is displayed inblack on white if there is an item to be displayed in black on white onany of the internal hierarchical screens of the adjustment sequence. Theinternal hierarchical screens of the adjustment sequence will bedescribed in detail hereinafter. Then, in a step S203, thereplacement/cleaning/replenishment key is displayed in black on whitewhen there is an item to be displayed in black on white on any of theinternal hierarchical screens of the replacement/cleaning/replenishment.The internal hierarchical screens of thereplacement/cleaning/replenishment will be described in detailhereinafter. Further, in a step S204, the job sequence key is displayedin black on white when there is an item to be displayed in black onwhite on any of the internal hierarchical screens of the job sequence.The internal hierarchical screens of the job sequence will be describedin detail hereinafter.

[0224] Then, in a step S205, it is determined whether or not any of theitem keys (the adjustment sequence key, thereplacement/cleaning/replenishment key, the job sequence key) on thecurrently displayed maintenance screen is displayed in black on white.If there is any displayed in black on white, it is determined in a stepS206 whether or not the adjustment sequence key is displayed in black onwhite. If the adjustment sequence key is displayed in black on white,the process proceeds to a step S207, wherein completion of adjustmentbased on an item displayed in black on white on the associated internalhierarchical screen displayed by depressing the adjustment sequence keyis awaited. Then, after the adjustment based on the item displayed inblack on white on the internal hierarchical screen is completed, theprocess proceeds to a step S208. If it is determined in the step S206that the adjustment sequence key is not displayed in black on white, theprocess skips over the step S207 to the step S208.

[0225] In the step S208, it is determined whether or not thereplacement/cleaning/replenishment key is displayed in black on white.If the replacement/cleaning/replenishment key is displayed in black onwhite, the process proceeds to a step S209, wherein completion ofadjustment based on an item displayed in black on white on an internalhierarchical screen displayed by depressing thereplacement/cleaning/replenishment key is awaited. Then, when theadjustment based on the item displayed in black on white on the internalhierarchical screen is completed, the process proceeds to a step S210.If it is determined in the step S208 that thereplacement/cleaning/replenishment key is not displayed in black onwhite, the process skips over the step S209 to the step S210.

[0226] In the step S210, it is determined whether or not the jobsequence key is displayed in black on white. If the job sequence key isdisplayed in black on white, the process proceeds to a step S211,wherein completion of adjustment based on an item displayed in black onwhite on an internal hierarchical screen displayed by depressing the jobsequence key is awaited. Then, when the adjustment based on the itemdisplayed in black on white on the internal hierarchical screen iscompleted, the process proceeds to a step S212. If it is determined inthe step S210 that the job sequence key is not displayed in black onwhite, the process skips over the step S211 to the step S212.

[0227] In the step S212, it is determined whether or not the othermachine key is displayed in black on white. If the other machine key isdisplayed in black on white, the process proceeds to a step S213,wherein depression of the other machine key is awaited. When the othermachine key is depressed, the process returns to the step S201, whereina maintenance screen associated with another machine designated by thedepression of the other machine key is displayed. If it is determined inthe step S212 that the other machine key is not displayed in black onwhite, the process proceeds to a step S214, wherein depression of areturn key is awaited. When the return key is depressed, the presentprocess is terminated, and the process returns to the step S104 in FIG.21.

[0228] If there is no item key displayed in black on white in the stepS205, the process skips over the steps S206 to S211 to the step S212.

[0229] As described above, when it is determined that there is no itemkey displayed in black on white on the currently displayed maintenancescreen, or when it is determined in the steps S206, S208, S210 thatthere is no item key displayed in black on white, the process skips overto the respective corresponding steps therefore, the operator candistinguish between items shaded thereby indicating no requirement ofmaintenance and items displayed in black on white thereby indicatingrequirement of maintenance. This establishes a work flow in whichmaintenance is executed based on only the items indicating requirementof maintenance.

[0230] Next, the aforementioned data registration menu screen will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 28. FIG. 28 is a view showing anexample of the data registration menu screen displayed on the sever 3101appearing in FIG. 20.

[0231] On the data registration menu screen, registrable print job dataitems are displayed in respective rows of the menu. A column “A” of themenu shows methods of supply of data from the operator or operator'scustomer. “NW” indicates that the data was supplied via the Internet.“CD” indicates that the data was supplied from a CD medium. “MO”indicates that the data was supplied from a MO medium. A column “B”shows sheet types designated for image formation. Each data itemdisplayed here is based on the supplied data. A column “C” shows thenumbers of sheets or pages to be printed based on image print job data.A column “D” shows the numbers of copies. A column “E” showsdesignations of color printing and monochrome printing. “Color”represents color printing, and “BW” represents monochrome printing. Acolumn “F” shows designations of image qualities in print modes, whichare selected from low image quality, high image quality, and very highimage quality is specified. The image quality of a print becomes higherin the order of low image quality, high image quality, and very highimage quality.

[0232] On the data registration menu screen described above, when aportion displaying the row number of print job data is depressed andthen a registration key (“Registration”) is depressed, the print jobdata thus selected is stored in the hard disk (HD) 3120. Then, theregistered (stored) print job data is deleted from the display.Assuming, for example, that print job data in the first row isregistered, the print job data is deleted from the first row, and printjob data in the second row shifts to the first row. When the dataregistration menu screen contains pieces of print job data in more thaneight rows, a next page key (“Next Page”) is displayed in black onwhite, which enables the present screen to be switched to a screendisplaying pieces of print job data in the ninth row et seq. In theillustrated example, there are displayed less than nine pieces of printjob data, and therefore the next page key is shaded.

[0233] Registration of print job data stored by depressing theregistration key in FIG. 28 is executed by depressing the jobregistration key on the screen in FIG. 22, as described hereinabove.When the job registration key is depressed, the screen shown in FIG. 22shifts to the screen shown in FIG. 29.

[0234] Next, job registration will be described with reference to FIG.29. FIG. 29 is a view showing an example of a job registration menuscreen displayed on the server 3101 appearing in FIG. 20.

[0235] On the job registration menu screen shown in FIG. 29, in a column“A” of the menu, there are entered designation data of sheet typesdisplayed in the column “B” on the screen in FIG. 28. Similarly, in acolumn “B”, there are entered designation data in the column “C” in FIG.28. In a column “C”, there are entered the designation data in thecolumn “D” in FIG. 28. In a column “D”, there are entered designationdata in the column “E” in FIG. 28. In a column “E”, there are entered,for example, items of information (e.g. model name CLC5000) foridentifying the image forming apparatus 3103 when “Color” is designatedby associated data in the column “D”, and for example, items ofinformation (e.g. model name iR105) for identifying the image formingapparatus 3102 when “BW” is designated by associated data in the column“D”. In the arrangement of the present image forming system, only asingle color digital copying machine and a single monochrome digitalcopying machine are connected, and therefor data in the E column isautomatically set based on designation data in the column “D”. However,when the image forming system has a plurality of color digital copyingmachines and a plurality of monochrome digital copying machinesconnected thereto, data in the E column is designated by an operator. Ina column “F”, there are entered designation data in the column “F” inFIG. 28.

[0236] In the above described job registration menu screen, print jobdata is added in the eighth row due to registration thereof on thescreen shown in FIG. 28, as described above. The server 3101 transmitsthe print job data in the job registration menu in the order of the rownumbers to the image forming apparatus 3103 (color digital copyingmachine CLC5000) and the image forming apparatus 3102 (monochromedigital copying machine iR105) to cause them to perform image formingoperations. Print job data of different row numbers are basicallytransmitted in the order of the row numbers, but operations fortransmitting print job data to the different image forming apparatusesare performed simultaneously.

[0237] In the illustrated example in FIG. 29, print job data of the rownumbers 1 and 2 are assigned to the different image forming apparatuses,and therefore the print job data are transmitted simultaneously. Thesequence of print job data can be changed by depressing the positions ofthe two row numbers on the screen and then depressing a switch key(“Switch”).

[0238] When there are print job data in more than eleven rows on the jobregistration menu screen, a next page key (“Next Page”) is displayed inblack on white, so that the present screen can be switched to a screendisplaying print job data in the twelfth row et seq. In the illustratedexample of the screen, there are displayed print job data in less thantwelve rows, and therefore the next page key is shaded.

[0239] The registration of print jobs shown in the job registration menuis carried out by depressing a registration key (“Registration”) shownon this registration menu screen. This makes affirmative (Yes) theanswer to the question of the step S101 in FIG. 21.

[0240] Next, maintenance items will be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

[0241] When a status confirmation key (“Status confirmation”) isdepressed on each of the maintenance item screen for the image formingapparatus 3103 in FIG. 23 and the maintenance item screen for the imageforming apparatus 3102 in FIG. 24, the screen is switched to a screendisplaying details of the current registration (settings) by theadjustment sequence key, the replacement/cleaning/replenishment key, andthe job sequence key. When the status confirmation key is depressed onthe screen in FIG. 23, the screen is switch to a screen shown in FIG.30, while when the status confirmation key is depressed on the screen inFIG. 24, the screen is switch to a screen shown in FIG. 31. Further,when a return key (“Return”) is depressed on each of the screens inFIGS. 23, 24, the screen is switched back to the screen in FIG. 22 atthe hierarchically higher level.

[0242]FIG. 30 is a view showing an example of an apparatus statusdisplay screen showing a status of the image forming apparatus 3103appearing in FIG. 20, and FIG. 31 is a view showing an example of anapparatus status display screen showing a status of the image formingapparatus 3102 appearing in FIG. 20. On each of the status displayscreens in FIGS. 30, 31, there are displayed a sheet feed cassette sheetkey (“Feed cassette sheet”), a time-change component key (“Time-changecomponent”), a consumables key (“Consumables”), a counter consumableskey (“Counter consumables”), a down sequence key (“Down sequence”), anda thick paper sequence key (“Thick paper sequence). Switching betweenthe screens in FIGS. 30, 31 is performed by depressing respective othermachine keys on the screens. Further, when a return key (“Return”) isdepressed on each of the screens in FIGS. 30, 31, the screen is switchedback to the screen in FIG. 23 or 24 at the hierarchically higher level.

[0243] When the sheet feed cassette sheet key is depressed on the screenin FIG. 30, the screen is switched to a screen shown in FIG. 32.Similarly, when the sheet feed cassette sheet key is depressed on thescreen in FIG. 31, the screen is switched to a screen shown in FIG. 33.

[0244]FIG. 32 is a view showing an example of a screen displayinginformation of cassette-by-cassette settings of sheets set in sheet feedcassettes of the image forming apparatus 3102 appearing in FIG. 20, andFIG. 33 is a view showing an example of a screen displaying informationof cassette-by-cassette settings of sheets set in sheet feed cassettesof the image forming apparatus 3103 appearing in FIG. 20. Switchingbetween the screens in FIGS. 32, 33 is performed by depressing othermachine keys on the respective screens, similarly to switching betweenthe other screens. Further, when a return key (“Return”) is depressed oneach of the screens in FIGS. 32, 33, the screen is switched back to thescreen in FIG. 30 or 31 at the hierarchically higher level.

[0245] On each of the screens in FIGS. 32, 33, a column “A” shows thetypes of sheets set on the sheet feed cassettes, while a column “B”shows the sizes of the sheets. Columns C and D show the numbers ofsheets currently set and the maximum numbers of sheets that can be seton the sheet feed cassettes, respectively. When it is determined from anoutput of sensor means (not shown) that the maximum number of sheets hasbeen set by sheet replenishment (or replacement), the number of thesheets in the column “C” becomes equal to the maximum number in thecolumn “D”.

[0246] When the time-change component key is depressed on the screenshown in FIG. 30, the screen is switched to a screen shown in FIG. 34.Similarly, when the time-change component key is depressed on the screenshown in FIG. 31, the screen is switched to a screen shown in FIG. 35.FIG. 34 is a view showing an example of the screen displaying atime-change component status of the image forming apparatus 3103appearing in FIG. 20, and FIG. 35 is a view showing an example of thescreen displaying a time-change component status of the image formingapparatus 3102 in FIG. 20. In each of the screens in FIGS. 34 and 35,registered components are entered in respective rows. A column “A” showspart names. A column “B” shows current component operation count valuesassociated with the respective registered components. A column “C” showscount values at or above which associated components require cleaning. Acolumn “D” shows count values at or above which associated componentsrequire replacement. A column “E” shows count values at or above whichassociated components require adjustment. A column “F” shows servicetime periods before replacement. A column “G” shows dates on whichcomponent replacement was performed (date on which the apparatus wasnewly installed). The component-by-component operation count valuedisplayed in each row is incremented whenever image formation isperformed and cleared to zero when the associated component is replacedby a new one. Switching between the screens in FIGS. 34, 35 is performedby depressing other machine keys on the respective screens. Further,when a return key (“Return”) is depressed on each of the screens inFIGS. 34, 35, the screen is switched back to the screen in FIG. 30 or 31at the hierarchically higher level.

[0247] Among the time-change components displayed on the screen in FIG.34 (i.e. components of the image forming apparatus 3103 in FIG. 61),primary electrostatic charge wires, for example, are provided in primaryelectrostatic chargers 917 a, 921 a, 925 a, 929 a. The primaryelectrostatic charge wires are replaced when the current count value(47000 in the illustrated example) reaches the count value (50000) at orabove which the wires require replacement. The other components in FIG.34 are also commonly provided parts, and therefore detailed descriptionthereof is omitted.

[0248] Among the time-change components displayed on the screen in FIG.35 (i.e. components of the image forming apparatus 3102 in FIG. 59), athermistor and a thermo SW unit, for example, are provided in the fixingdevice 4040. The thermistor and thermo SW unit are each replaced whenthe current count value (2100 in the illustrated example) reaches thecount value (500000 or 1000000) at or above which they requirereplacement. Further, an ozone filter represents three kinds of ozonefilters disposed at respective locations shown in FIG. 62. The othercomponents in FIG. 35 are also commonly provided parts, and thereforedetailed description thereof is omitted.

[0249] When the consumables key is depressed on the screen in FIG. 30,the screen is switched to a screen shown in FIG. 36. Similarly, when theconsumables key is depressed on the screen in FIG. 31, the screen isswitched to a screen shown in FIG. 38.

[0250]FIGS. 36 and 37 are views showing examples of a screen displayinga status of consumables of the mage forming apparatus 3103 appearing inFIG. 20, while FIGS. 38 and 39 views showing examples of a screendisplaying a status of consumables of the mage forming apparatus 3102appearing in FIG. 20. On the screen in FIG. 36 or 38, when the number ofcomponents registered in respective rows exceeds a predetermined number(i.e. the number of items in the table), a next page key (“Next page”)is depressed to shift the screen to a screen shown in FIG. 37 or 39,wherein the other components are displayed. On the other hand, when itis necessary to display components on the previous page on the screen inFIG. 37 or 39, a previous page key (“Previous page”) is depressed toswitch the screen back to the screen in FIG. 36 or 38. Switching betweenthe screens in FIGS. 36, 37 and the screens in FIGS. 38, 39 is performedby depressing other machine keys on the respective screens. Further,when a return key (“Return”) is depressed on each of the screens inFIGS. 36, 37, 38, 39, the screen is switched back to the screen in FIG.30 or 31 at the hierarchically higher level.

[0251] In each of the screens in FIGS. 36, 37, 38, 39, registeredcomponents are displayed in respective rows. A column “A” shows partnames. A column “B” shows current component operation count valuesassociated with the respective registered components. A column “C” showscount values at or above which associated components require cleaning. Acolumn “D” shows count values at or above which associated componentsrequire replacement. A column “E” shows count values at or above whichassociated components require adjustment. A column “F” shows servicetime periods before component replacement. A column “G” shows dates onwhich component replacement was performed (date on which the apparatuswas newly installed). The component-by-component operation count valuedisplayed in each row is incremented whenever image formation isperformed and cleared to zero when the associated component is replacedby a new one.

[0252] Among the consumables displayed on the screens in FIGS. 36 and 37(i.e. components of the image forming apparatus 3103), a startdeveloper, for example, is replenished to the developing devices 930,931, 932, 933. Further, the item of “Transfer belt CLNWEB” represents acleaning web for the transfer belt 938, and the item of “Transfer belt”represents the transfer belt 938. The other components in FIGS. 36, 37are also commonly provided parts, and therefore detailed descriptionthereof is omitted.

[0253] Among the consumables displayed on the screens in FIGS. 38 and 39(i.e. components of the image forming apparatus 3102), the item of“Developing device”, for example, represents a developing cylinder and aset of roller bearings included in the developing device 4030. Further,the item of “Primary electrostatic charger” represents the primaryelectrostatic charger 4018. The other components shown in FIGS. 38, 39are also commonly provided parts, and therefore detailed descriptionthereof is omitted.

[0254] When the counter consumables key is depressed on the screen inFIG. 30, the screen is switched to a screen in FIG. 40. Similarly, whenthe counter consumables key is depressed on the screen in FIG. 31, thescreen is switched to a screen in FIG. 41. FIG. 40 is a view showing anexample of the screen displaying a status of software counterconsumables of the mage forming apparatus 3103 appearing in FIG. 20, andFIG. 41 is a view showing an example of the screen displaying a statusof software counter consumables of the mage forming apparatus 3102appearing in FIG. 20.

[0255] In each of the screens in FIGS. 40, 41, registered components aredisplayed in respective rows. A column “A” shows part names. A column“B” shows current component operation count values associated with therespective registered components. A column “C” shows count values at orabove which associated components require cleaning. A column “D” showscount values at or above which associated components requirereplacement. A column “E” shows count values at or above whichassociated components require adjustment. A column “F” shows servicetime periods before component replacement. A column “G” shows dates onwhich component replacement was performed (date on which the apparatuswas newly installed). The component-by-component operation count valuedisplayed in each row is incremented whenever image formation isperformed provided that the item corresponds to a sheet feed cassettefrom which sheets are fed for image formation (in the double-sided mode,only the count value in the item of “Double-sided sheet feed roller” isincremented whenever image formation is performed on a second side ofeach sheet), and cleared to zero when the associated component isreplaced by a new one. Switching between the screens in FIGS. 40, 41 isperformed by depressing other machine keys on the respective screens.Further, when a return key (“Return”) is depressed on each of thescreens in FIGS. 40, 41, the screen is switched back to the screen inFIG. 30 or 31 at the hierarchically higher level.

[0256] When the down sequence key is depressed on the screen in FIG. 30,the screen is switched to a screen shown in FIG. 42, for configuring adown sequence. Similarly, when the down sequence key is depressed on thescreen in FIG. 31, the screen is switched to a screen in FIG. 43, forconfiguring a down sequence. FIG. 42 is a view showing an example of thescreen for configuring a down sequence for the image forming apparatus3103 appearing in FIG. 20, and FIG. 43 is a view showing an example ofthe screen for configuring a down sequence for the image formingapparatus 3102 appearing in FIG. 20.

[0257] On each of the screens in FIGS. 42 and 43, registered modes aredisplayed in respective rows. A column “A” shows print mode names. Acolumn “B” shows current fixing temperature limiter values. A column “C”shows ambient temperature values detected when the associated limitervalues displayed in the column “B” are set respectively (initial valuesare those detected at the time of installation of the apparatus). Acolumn “D” shows ambient humidity values detected when the associatedlimiter values displayed in the column “B” are set respectively (initialvalues are those detected at the time of installation of the apparatus).A column “E” shows allowable temperature differences from the currentambient temperature, and a column “F” shows allowable humiditydifferences from the current ambient humidity. The print mode names inthe column “A” correspond to the print modes designated in the column“F” in FIG. 28. The current fixing temperature limiter values in thecolumn “B” represent values of the detected temperature of the fixingsection at or below which the performance of the apparatus is changed inthe lowering direction from that defined in the specifications (i.e.shifted to a down sequence), and a temperature set for restoration ofthe performance of the specifications. The current limiter values of thetemperature of the fixing section in each box of the column “B”represent a product specification temperature value, a 82%-performancetemperature value, an image formation-interrupting temperature value,and an image forming operation-restoring temperature value, from theleft side, respectively.

[0258] When the detected temperature of the fixing section is equal toor higher than a set value of the product specification temperaturevalue, an image forming operation is executed according to productspecifications. However, when the detected temperature of the fixingsection is lower than the set value of the product specificationtemperature value and equal to or higher than a set value of the82%-performance temperature value, the image forming operation isexecuted in a state where the performance of the image forming apparatusis lowered to 82% of the product specifications. The performance islowered because if the image forming operation is executed at normalsheet feed intervals at a low fixing temperature, the risk of causingfixing failure is high, and therefore it is necessary to increase theinterval of feeding of sheets to thereby prevent fixing failure.Further, when the detected temperature of the fixing section is lowerthan the set value of the 82%-performance temperature value and equal toor higher than a set value of the image formation-interruptingtemperature value, the image forming operation is executed in a statewhere the performance of the image forming apparatus is lowered to 70%of the product specifications. Furthermore, when the detectedtemperature of the fixing section is lower than the set value of theimage formation-interrupting temperature value, the image formingoperation is interrupted. After interruption of the image formingoperation, a rise in the temperature of the fixing section is awaited,and when the detected temperature of the fixing section becomes equal toor higher than a set value of the image forming operation-restoringtemperature value, the image forming operation is resumed in accordancewith the product specifications.

[0259] Switching between the screens in FIGS. 42, 43 is performed bydepressing other machine keys on the respective screens. Further, when areturn key (“Return”) is depressed on each of the screens in FIGS. 42,43, the screen is switched back to the screen in FIG. 30 or 31 at thehierarchically higher level.

[0260] When the thick paper sequence key is depressed on the screen inFIG. 30, the screen is switched to a screen in FIG. 44, for configuringthe thick paper mode. Similarly, when the thick paper sequence key isdepressed on the screen in FIG. 31, the screen is switched to a screenin FIG. 45, for configuring the thick paper mode. FIG. 44 is a viewshowing an example of the screen for configuring the a thick paper modefor the image forming apparatus 3103 appearing in FIG. 20, and FIG. 45is view showing an example of the screen for configuring the a thickpaper mode for the image forming apparatus 3102 appearing in FIG. 20.

[0261] On each of the screens in FIGS. 44 and 45, registered modes aredisplayed in respective rows. A column “A” shows thick paper mode names.A column “B” shows sheet types currently registered for the thick papermode. A column “C” shows current fixing temperature limiter values. Acolumn “D” shows ambient temperature values detected when the associatedlimiter values displayed in the column “C” are set respectively (initialvalues are those detected at the time of installation of the apparatus).A column “E” shows ambient humidity values detected when the associatedlimiter values displayed in the column “C” are set respectively (initialvalues are those detected at the time of installation of the apparatus).A column “F” shows allowable temperature difference from the currentambient temperature, and a column “G” shows allowable humiditydifference from the current ambient humidity. The sheet types in thecolumn “B” correspond to the sheet types designated in the column “B” inFIG. 28 and the sheet types set in each of the columns A in FIGS. 32,33. The current fixing temperature limiter values in the column “C”represent values of the detected temperature of the fixing section at orbelow which the performance of the apparatus is changed in the loweringdirection from that defined in the specifications (i.e. shifted to athick paper sequence), and a temperature set for restoration of theperformance of the specifications. The current limiter values of thetemperature of the fixing section in each box of the column “C”represent a product specification temperature value, a 82%-performancetemperature value, an image formation-interrupting temperature value,and an image forming operation-restoring temperature value, from theleft side, respectively.

[0262] When the detected temperature of the fixing section is equal toor higher than a set value of the product specification temperaturevalue, an image forming operation is executed according to productspecifications. However, when the detected temperature of the fixingsection is lower than the set value of the product specificationtemperature value and equal to or higher than a set value of the82%-performance temperature value, the image forming operation isexecuted in a state where the performance of the image forming apparatusis lowered to 82% of the product specifications. The performance is madelower that that of the product specifications, for the same reason asdescribed above for the down sequence. Further, when the detectedtemperature of the fixing section is lower than the set value of the82%-performance temperature value and equal to or higher than a setvalue of the image formation-interrupting temperature value, the imageforming operation is executed in a state where the performance of theimage forming apparatus is lowered to 70% of the product specifications.Furthermore, when the detected temperature of the fixing section islower than the set value of the image formation-interrupting temperaturevalue, the image forming operation is interrupted. After interruption ofthe image forming operation, a rise in the temperature of the fixingsection is awaited, and when the detected temperature of the fixingsection becomes equal to or higher than a set value of the image formingoperation-restoring temperature value, the image forming operationresumed in accordance with the product specifications.

[0263] When it is simultaneously detected that the detected temperaturebecomes lower than limiter values for both the down sequence and thethick paper sequence, one of the two sequences in which the performanceis lowered to a larger degree is preferentially applied. The priority isapplied in the order of interruption of image forming operation, 70%performance, 82% performance and product specification. Further, theimage forming operation restoring operation is also performed accordingto one of the two sequences for which the more strict condition is set.For example, assuming that the set temperature value for image formingoperation restoring operation after the image formation interruption inthe down sequence is 188° C., and the set temperature value for imageforming operation restoring operation after the image formationinterruption in the thick paper sequence is 183° C., the set temperaturevalue of 188° C. is preferentially applied.

[0264] Switching between the screens in FIGS. 44, 45 is performed bydepressing other machine keys on the respective screens. Further, when areturn key (“Return”) is depressed on each of the screens in FIGS. 44,45, the screen is switched back to the screen in FIG. 30 or 31 at thehierarchically higher level.

[0265] Next, a description will be given of the adjustment sequencereferred to hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24. On the screenshown in FIG. 25, the down sequence adjustment key and the thick papermode adjustment key are already shaded, which means that neither of thedown sequence adjustment and the thick paper mode adjustment isnecessary. On the other hand, on the screen shown in FIG. 26, the downsequence adjustment key and the thick paper mode adjustment key are bothdisplayed in black on white, which indicates that both of theadjustments are necessary. From this, the operator can judge that thedown sequence adjustment and thick paper mode adjustment need not beexecuted for the image forming apparatus 3103, and that they need to beexecuted for the image forming apparatus 3102.

[0266] When the down sequence adjustment key is depressed on the screenshown in FIG. 25, the screen is switched to a screen shown in FIG. 46.Similarly, when the down sequence adjustment key is depressed on thescreen shown in FIG. 26, the screen is switched to a screen shown inFIG. 47. FIG. 46 is a view showing an example of a mode-specificadjustment screen for down sequence adjustment for the image formingapparatus 3103 appearing in FIG. 20, and FIG. 47 is a view showing anexample of a mode-specific adjustment screen for down sequenceadjustment for the image forming apparatus 3102 appearing in FIG. 20.

[0267] On the screen shown in FIG. 46, “Low image quality”, “High imagequality”, and “Very high mage quality” correspond to print mode names inthe column “A” on the screen shown in FIG. 42. Similarly, on the screenshown in FIG. 47, “Low image quality”, “High image quality”, and “Veryhigh image quality” correspond to print mode names in the column “A” onthe screen shown in FIG. 43.

[0268] On the screens shown in FIGS. 46 and 47, the mode-specificadjustment keys for the down sequence adjustment are displayed in blackon white when there holds either of the following conditions, and shadedwhen there does not hold either of the following conditions:

[0269] (1) On the screen shown in FIG. 42 or 43, which is used in amanner associated with an image forming apparatus to which is suppliedprint job data of jobs registered on the screen shown in FIG. 29, valuesof the temperature shown in the column “C” associated with print modesdesignated in the column “A” are not within the allowable temperaturedifferences with respect to the current ambient temperature.

[0270] (2) On the screen shown in FIG. 42 or 43, which is used in amanner associated with an image forming apparatus to which is suppliedprint job data of jobs registered on the screen shown in FIG. 29, valuesof the humidity shown in the column “D” associated with print modesdesignated in the column “A” are not within allowable humiditydifferences with respect to the current ambient humidity.

[0271] The states of “Low image quality”, “High image quality”, and“Very high image quality” being shaded on the screen shown in FIG. 46correspond to a state in which the print modes designated by the printjobs registered on the screen shown in FIG. 29 are two print modes of“High image quality” and “Very high image quality”, and the ambienttemperature and humidity displayed on the initial screen of FIG. 22 arewithin the above-mentioned allowable temperature and humiditydifferences. Further, the print mode of “Low image quality” is not usedhere, and since this mode thus does not require adjustment, the keythereof is shaded. All the keys of “Low image quality”, “High imagequality” and “Very high image quality” are shaded on the screen shown inFIG. 46, so that the down sequence adjustment key on the screen shown inFIG. 25 is shaded.

[0272] The states of “Low image quality” and “High image quality” beingdisplayed in black on white on the screen shown in FIG. 47 correspond toa state in which the print modes designated by the print jobs registeredon the screen shown in FIG. 29 are two print modes of “Low imagequality” and “High image quality”, and the ambient temperature displayedon the initial screen of FIG. 22 is not within the above-mentionedallowable temperature. Further, the print mode of “Very high imagequality” is not used here, and since this mode thus does not requireadjustment, the key thereof is shaded. All the keys of “Low imagequality”, “High image quality” and “Very high image quality” are notshaded on the screen shown in FIG. 47, so that the down sequenceadjustment key on the screen shown in FIG. 26 is displayed in black onwhite.

[0273] When the mode-specific adjustment key (any of the low imagequality key, high image quality key, and very high image quality key) isdepressed on the down sequence adjustment screen shown in FIG. 46 or 47,the screen is switched to the screen shown in FIG. 42 or 43,respectively, and the configuration is carried out by changing thecurrent limiter value of the fixing temperature in the column “B”associated therewith. The changing of the limiter value of the fixingtemperature in the column “B” is carried out using numericalvalue-inputting means, not shown. When the operator changes the limitervalue of the fixing temperature, and depresses a set key (“Set”), theambient temperature value in the column “C” is replaced by the currentambient temperature, and the ambient humidity value in the column “D” isreplaced by the current ambient humidity. Further, when the changing ofthe current limiter value of the fixing temperature in the column “B”necessary for the print mode is completed on the screen shown in FIG.43, and the return key is depressed, the screen is switched to thescreen shown in FIG. 46 or 47, on which the mode-specific adjustmentkeys in the down sequence adjustment are shaded.

[0274] Next, a description will be given of a case in which the thickpaper mode adjustment key is depressed on the screen shown in FIG. 25 or26. When the thick paper mode adjustment key is depressed on the screenshown in FIG. 25, the screen is switched to the screen shown in FIG. 48.Similarly, when the thick paper mode adjustment key is depressed on thescreen shown in FIG. 26, the screen is switched to the screen shown inFIG. 49. FIG. 48 is a view showing an example of a mode-specificadjustment screen for the thick paper mode adjustment for the imageforming apparatus 3103 appearing in FIG. 20, and FIG. 49 is a viewshowing an example of a mode-specific adjustment screen for the thickpaper mode adjustment for the image forming apparatus 3102 appearing inFIG. 20.

[0275] “Thick paper 1”, “Thick paper 2”, and “Thick paper 3” on thescreen shown in FIG. 48 correspond to the names of the thick paper modein the column “A” on the screen shown in FIG. 44. Similarly, “Thickpaper 1”, “Thick paper 2”, and “Thick paper 3” on the screen shown inFIG. 49 correspond to the names of the thick paper mode in the column“A” on the screen shown in FIG. 45.

[0276] On the screens of FIGS. 48 and 49, the mode-specific adjustmentkeys for the thick paper mode adjustment are displayed in black onwhite, when there holds either of the following conditions, and shadedwhen there does not hold either of the following conditions:

[0277] (1) On the screen shown in FIG. 44 or 45, which is used in amanner associated with an image forming apparatus to which is suppliedprint job data of jobs registered on the screen shown in FIG. 29, valuesof the temperature shown in the column “D” associated with the a thickpaper mode designated in the column “A”, including the designation oftype sheets, are not within the allowable temperature differences withrespect to the current ambient temperature.

[0278] (2) On the screen shown in FIG. 44 or 45, which is used in amanner associated with an image forming apparatus to which is suppliedprint job data of registered as jobs on the screen shown in FIG. 29,values of the humidity shown in the column “E” associated with the athick paper mode designated in the column “A”, including the designationof a type of sheet, are not within the allowable humidity differenceswith respect to the current ambient humidity.

[0279] The states of the keys of “Thick paper 1”, “Thick paper 2”, and“Thick paper 3” being shaded on the screen shown in FIG. 48 correspondto a state in which the sheet types designated by the print jobsregistered on the screen shown in FIG. 29 are the three types of “SheetA”, “Sheet C”, and “Sheet D”, and the ambient temperature and humiditydisplayed on the initial screen shown in FIG. 22 are within theallowable temperature and humidity differences associated with the thickpaper mode names of “Thick paper 1” and “Thick paper 2” in the column“A” on the associated screen shown in FIG. 44. Further, the thick papermode of “Thick paper 3” is not used here, and since this mode thus doesnot require adjustment, the key thereof is shaded. All the keys of“Thick paper 1”, “Thick paper 2” and “Thick paper 3” are shaded on thescreen shown in FIG. 48, so that the thick paper mode adjustment key onthe screen shown in FIG. 25 is shaded.

[0280] The states of the keys of “Thick paper 1” and “Thick paper 2”being displayed in black on white on the screen shown in FIG. 49correspond to a state in which the sheet types designated by the printjobs registered on the screen shown in FIG. 29 are the three types of“Sheet H”, “Sheet I”, and “Sheet J”, and the ambient temperaturedisplayed on the initial screen shown in FIG. 22 is not within theallowable temperature differences associated with the thick paper modenames of “Thick paper 1” and “Thick paper 2” in the column “A” on theassociated screen shown in FIG. 45. Further, the thick paper mode of“Thick paper 3” is not used here, and since this mode thus does notrequire adjustment, the key thereof is shaded. All the keys of “Thickpaper 1”, “Thick paper 2” and “Thick paper 3” are not shaded on thescreen shown in FIG. 49, so that the thick paper mode adjustment key onthe screen shown in FIG. 26 is displayed in black on white.

[0281] When a mode-specific adjustment key is depressed on the screenshown in FIG. 46 or 47, the screen is switched to the screen shown inFIG. 44 or 45, respectively, and the configuration is carried out bychanging the current limiter value of the fixing temperature in thecolumn “C” associated therewith. The changing of the limiter value ofthe fixing temperature in the column “C” is carried out using thenumerical value-inputting means, not shown. When the operator changesthe limiter value of the fixing temperature, and depresses a set key(“Set”), the ambient temperature value in the column “D” is replaced bythe current ambient temperature and the ambient humidity value in thecolumn “E” is replaced by the current ambient humidity. Further, whenthe changing of current limiter value of the fixing temperature in thecolumn “B” necessary for the print mode is completed on the screen shownin FIG. 44 or 45, and a return key (“Return”) is depressed, the screenis switched to the screen shown in FIG. 48 or 49, on which the operatedmode-specific adjustment key in the down sequence adjustment becomesshaded.

[0282] Next, a description will be given of operations performed whenthe replacement/cleaning/replenishment key is depressed. On the screenshown in FIG. 23, when the replacement/cleaning/replenishment key isdepressed, the screen is switched to the screen shown in FIG. 50,wherein a list of items of replacement/cleaning/replenishment isdisplayed. In the list displayed here, items which requirereplacement/cleaning/replenishment are displayed in black on white, anditems which do not require replacement/cleaning/replenishment areshaded. Similarly, on the screen shown in FIG. 24, when thereplacement/cleaning/replenishment key is depressed, the screen isswitched to the screen shown in FIG. 51, wherein a list of items ofreplacement/cleaning/replenishment is displayed. FIGS. 50 and 51 areviews showing examples of screens displaying a list of items ofreplacement/cleaning/replenishment for the image forming apparatus 3103appearing in FIG. 20, and FIGS. 52 and 53 are views showing examples ofscreens displaying a list of items of replacement/cleaning/replenishmentfor the image forming apparatus 3102 appearing in FIG. 20.

[0283] When all the items cannot be collectively shown on the screenshown in FIG. 50 or 52, a continued page screen is provided. In theillustrated example, all the items of the list to be displayed cannot becollectively shown on the screen shown in FIG. 50 or 52, so that bydepressing a next page key (“Next page”), the screen can be shifted tothe screen shown in FIG. 51 or 53, to display the remaining items.Conversely, when the items of the previous page are desired to bedisplayed when viewing the screen shown in FIG. 51 or 53, a previouspage key (“Previous page”) is depressed so that the screen returns tothe screen shown in FIG. 50 or 52, respectively.

[0284] Switching between the screens in FIGS. 50, 51 and FIGS. 52, 53 isperformed by depressing other machine keys on the respective screens.Further, when a return key (“Return”) is depressed on each of thescreens in FIGS. 50, 51, 52, 53, the screen is switched back to thescreen in FIG. 23 or 24 at the hierarchically higher level.

[0285] Next, a description will be given of a process for determiningwhether keys (item keys) in the list ofreplacement/cleaning/replenishment should be displayed in black on whiteor shaded.

[0286] The determination of whether item keys on the screens of FIGS. 50to 53 should be displayed in black on white or shaded is carried out inthe following manner:

[0287] Based on the print job data of jobs registered on the screenshown in FIG. 29, the number of times of image formation to be carriedout (number of sheets to be printed) by an image forming apparatus towhich print job data is supplied for image formation is calculated fromthe numbers of sheets to be printed in the column “B” and the associatednumbers of copies to be printed in the column “C”. Then, the calculatednumber of times of image formation is added to each of the currentcomponent operation count values in the column “B” on the screens ofFIGS. 34 to 41 (in the case of the screens shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, thecalculated number is added to the component operation count value ofrollers corresponding to a location from which the sheets are to besupplied, and the component operation count value of double-sided sheetfeed rollers for which counting is performed whenever image formation isperformed on a second side of each sheet), and it is determined whetheror not any of the resulting sums exceeds an associated one of the valuesin the column “C” at or above which cleaning becomes necessary, thevalues in the column “D” at or above which replacement becomesnecessary, and the values in the column “E” at or above which adjustmentbecomes necessary. When the columns “C”, “D”, and “E” have boxescontaining no values, these boxes are excluded from the abovedetermination. Items of which the calculated sum exceeds any of thecount values designated in the columns “C”, “D”, and “E” are displayedin black on white, and those of which the same does not exceed any ofthe count values designated in the columns “C”, “D”, and “E” are shaded.However, if the number of times of image formation exceeds the currentcomponent operation count value of the column “B”, it is excluded fromthe determination. Further, it is additionally determined that when thecurrent date is beyond a date calculated from a service time period ofthe associated component before replacement, shown in the column “F”,with respect to the date on which component replacement was performed,shown in the column “G”, item keys relevant to the above case should bedisplayed in black on white.

[0288] In the case of the illustrated example of the screen shown inFIG. 50, the number of times of image formation calculated from data onthe screen shown in FIG. 29 is 5600 (the item on the second line in FIG.28 is not included), and the current component operation count value ofthe primary electrostatic charge wires on the screen shown in FIG. 34 is47000. Therefore, the value of the sum concerning the primaryelectrostatic charge wires is 47000+5600=52600. This value of 52600exceeds the count value of 50000 at or above which the wires requirereplacement, and therefore, it is determined that the wires should bereplaced.

[0289] Of the item keys on the screens of FIGS. 50 to 53, thosedisplayed in black on white are subjected to a process ofreplacement/cleaning/replenishment according to a service manual (notshown). When this process is completed, and the operator depresses theassociated item key displayed in black on white, it is determined thatthe process is completed, so that the item key becomes shaded. At thistime, when a replacement process has been executed, the currentcomponent operation count value of the associated component in thecolumn “B” on the screens of FIGS. 34 to 42 is cleared (set to 0), asdescribed hereinabove, and the component replacement date in the column“G” is updated to the current date. When all items on the screens shownin FIGS. 50 to 53 are shaded, the replacement/cleaning/replenishmentkeys in FIGS. 23 and 24 at the hierarchically upper level are shadedaccordingly. In the case of the screen shown in FIG. 24, all items onthe screens shown in FIGS. 52 and 53 are shaded, so that thereplacement/cleaning/replenishment key on the screen shown in FIG. 24 isshaded.

[0290] Next, a description will be given of a case in which the jobsequence key is depressed on the screen shown in FIG. 23 or 24. When thejob sequence key is depressed on the screen shown in FIG. 23, the screenis switched to a sheet feed cassette-related process screen shown inFIG. 54. On the sheet feed cassette-related process screen, items whichrequire sheet replenishment or replacement are displayed in black onwhite, and items which do not require sheet replenishment or replacementare shaded. Similarly, when the job sequence key is depressed on thescreen shown in FIG. 24, the screen is switched to a sheet feedcassette-related process screen shown in FIG. 55. FIG. 54 is a viewshowing an example of the sheet feed cassette-related process screen forthe image forming apparatus 3103 appearing in FIG. 20, and FIG. 55 is aview showing an example of the sheet feed cassette-related processscreen for the image forming apparatus 3102 appearing in FIG. 20.

[0291] Switching between the screens in FIGS. 54, 55 is performed bydepressing other machine keys on the respective screens. Further, when areturn key “Return” is depressed on each of the screens shown in FIGS.54, 55, the screen is switched to a screen shown in FIG. 23 or 24 at thehierarchically higher level.

[0292] Next, a description will be given of a process for determiningwhether item keys in the sheet feed cassette-related process screenshould be displayed in black on white or shaded.

[0293] The determination as to whether item keys on the screens in FIGS.54 and 55 should be displayed in black on white or shaded is carried outin the following manner:

[0294] Based on the print job data of jobs registered on the screenshown in FIG. 29, the required number of sheets of a sheet feed cassetteof an image forming apparatus to which print job data is supplied forimage formation is calculated from the numbers of sheets to be printedin the column “B” and the associated numbers of copies to be printed inthe column “C”. Then, the calculated required number of sheets of thesheet feed cassette is compared with the currently set number of sheetsin the column “C” on the screen in FIG. 32 or 33, and if the latternumber is smaller than the former number, the associated item of sheetreplenishment to the sheet feed cassette is displayed in black on white.Further, based on the print job data of jobs registered on the screenshown in FIG. 29, when the sheet feed cassettes contain no sheets forimage formation by an image forming apparatus to which print job data issupplied, and at the same time there is a sheet feed cassette which isnot in use, the item of sheet replacement for the sheet feed cassettenot in use is displayed in black on white.

[0295] In the illustrated example in FIG. 54, the third sheet feedcassette requires 4000 sheets from the print job data on the screenshown in FIG. 29, and the currently set number of sheets in the column“C” of the screen shown in FIG. 32 is 100. Therefore, it is determinedthat sheet replenishment is necessary. Further, in the illustratedexample in FIG. 54, the second sheet feed cassette contains sheets whichare not required by the print job data on the screen in FIG. 29, and atthe same time does not contain the sheets D required by the print jobdata on the screen in FIG. 29. Therefore, it is determined sheetreplenishment is necessary for the second sheet feed cassette.

[0296] As to item keys of sheet replenishment displayed in black onwhite on the screen shown in FIG. 54 or 55, after replenishment ofsheets has been completed, when the user depresses the associated itemkey displayed in black on white, it is determined that the replenishmentof sheets has been completed, and the item key displayed in black onwhite becomes shaded. At this time, as described hereinabove, thecurrently set number of sheets in the column “C” on the associatedscreen in FIG. 32 or 33 is changed to the maximum number of sheets inthe column “D”. Further, as to item keys of sheet replacement displayedin black on white on the screens of FIGS. 54 and 55 as well, afterreplacement of sheets has been completed, when the user depresses theassociated item key displayed in black on white, it is determined thatthe sheet replacing process has been completed, and the associated itemkey displayed in black on white becomes shaded. At this time, asdescribed hereinabove, the currently set number of sheets in the column“C” on the associated screen in FIG. 32 or 33 is changed to the maximumnumber of sheets in the column “D”.

[0297] When all the items on the screens in FIGS. 54 and 55 are shaded,the job sequence keys on the screens in FIGS. 23 and 24 come to beshaded accordingly.

[0298] Thus, according to the present embodiment, maintenance itemswhich do not require maintenance are shaded, which makes it possible tonotify the operator of the maintenance items which do not requiremaintenance, thereby reducing downtime caused by the maintenanceoperation.

[0299] It is to be understood that the object of the present inventionmay also be accomplished by supplying a system or an apparatus with astorage medium in which a program code of software which realizes thefunctions of either of the above described embodiments is stored, andcausing a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus to readout and execute the program code stored in the storage medium.

[0300] In this case, the program code itself read from the storagemedium realizes the functions of either of the above describedembodiments, and therefore the storage medium on which the program codeis stored constitutes the present invention.

[0301] Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program codeinclude a RAM, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, anoptical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, aDVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a DVD-RW, a DVD+RW, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatilememory card, a ROM, and an EEPROM.

[0302] Further, it is to be understood that the functions of either ofthe above described embodiments may be accomplished not only byexecuting a program code read out by a computer, but also by causing anOS (operating system) or the like which operates on the computer toperform a part or all of the actual operations based on instructions ofthe program code.

[0303] Further, it is to be understood that the functions of either ofthe above described embodiments may be accomplished by writing theprogram code read out from the storage medium into a memory provided inan expansion board inserted into a computer or in an expansion unitconnected to the computer and then causing a CPU or the like provided inthe expansion board or the expansion unit to perform a part or all ofthe actual operations based on instructions of the program code.

[0304] Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a systemcomprised of a plurality of apparatuses or to an apparatus formed by asingle apparatus.

[0305] Further, a system or an apparatus may be supplied with a programcode of software which realizes the functions of either of the abovedescribed embodiments by downloading the program code from a database ona network by a communication program, so that the system or theapparatus can have the advantageous effects of the present invention.

[0306] The present invention is not limited to the above describedembodiments, but can be modified in various manners based on the subjectmatter of the present invention, which should not be excluded from thescope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: aregistration device that is capable of registering at least one job; animage forming device that performs image formation according to the atleast one registered job; and an action object-detecting device thatdetects action objects on which actions necessary for the image formingapparatus should be taken.
 2. An image forming apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, wherein: the at least one job should be executed within apredetermined time period; said action object-detecting device comprisesan adjustment item-detecting device that detects items of adjustment tobe executed for the image forming apparatus as the action objects, fromcontents of the at least one registered job; and the image formingapparatus further comprises a display device that displays an adjustmenttable describing the items of adjustment detected by said adjustmentitem-detecting device, an adjustment item-selecting device that selectsat least one item of adjustment on which adjustment should be executed,from the items of adjustment described in the adjustment table displayedby said display device, and an adjustment executing device that executesadjustment on the at least one item of adjustment selected by saidadjustment item-selecting device.
 3. An image forming apparatus asclaimed in claim 2, further comprising an output device that outputscontents of the adjustment table displayed by said display device.
 4. Animage forming apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further comprising anadjustment contents-storing device that stores contents of theadjustment executed by said adjustment executing device.
 5. An imageforming apparatus as claimed in claim 2, to which a post-processingapparatus is connected, and wherein the items of adjustment includeitems of adjustment for the post-processing apparatus.
 6. An imageforming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the at least one jobcomprises a plurality of jobs; said action object-detecting devicecomprises a discriminating device that is operable when all of the atleast one registered job are executed, to discriminate between itemswhich require execution of maintenance and items which do not requireexecution of maintenance from items of maintenance for the image formingapparatus as the action objects; and the image forming apparatuscomprises a display device that displays the items which requireexecution of maintenance and the items which do not require execution ofmaintenance in respective different manners of display according toresults of the discrimination by said discriminating device, and apermitting device that permits start of execution of the at least oneregistered job upon completion of maintenance on the items which requireexecution of maintenance.
 7. An image forming apparatus as claimed inclaim 6, wherein one of the different manners of display comprisesshading in gray the items.
 8. An image forming apparatus as claimed inclaim 6, wherein: said image forming device comprises a plurality ofimage forming devices; and the image forming apparatus further comprisesa control device that controls said action object-detecting device, saiddisplay device, and said permitting device such that when saidregistration device registers the at least one job, an image formingdevice which should execute image formation according to each of the atleast one job is selectively set from said plurality of image formingdevices, and the start of execution of the job is permitted inassociation with the set image forming device.
 9. An image formingapparatus as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a management deviceconnected to the plurality of image forming devices for managementthereof, and wherein said management device has incorporated thereinsaid registration device, said action object-detecting device, saiddisplay device, said permitting device, and said control device.
 10. Animage forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the at least onejob comprises a plurality of jobs; said action object-detecting devicecomprises a counting device that counts a number of times of imageformation by said image forming device, an endurance limit count-holdingdevice that holds an endurance limit number of times of operationassociated with each of components provided in the image formingapparatus, an image formation number-of-time estimating device thatestimates a count value by said counting device when all of the at leastone registered job are to be executed, as an estimated number of timesof image formation, and a discriminating device that compares theestimated number of times of image formation estimated by said imageformation number-of-time estimating device with the endurance limitnumber of times of operation held by said endurance limit count-holdingdevice, and discriminates, based on results of the comparison, betweencomponents of which the endurance limit number of times of operationexceeds the estimated number of times of image formation and componentsof which the endurance limit number of times of operation does notexceed the estimated number of times of image formation; and the imageforming apparatus further comprises a display device that displays itemsindicative of the components of which the endurance limit number oftimes of operation exceeds the estimated number of times of imageformation and items indicative of the components of which the endurancelimit number of times of operation does not exceed the estimated numberof times of image formation, in respective different manners of displayaccording to results of the determination by said determining device,and a permitting device that permits start of execution of the at leastone registered job, when maintenance of the components of which theendurance limit number of times of operation does not exceed theestimated number of times of image formation has been completed.
 11. Animage forming apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein one of thedifferent manners of display comprises shading in gray the items.
 12. Animage forming apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein: said imageforming device comprises a plurality of image forming devices; and theimage forming apparatus further comprises a control device that controlssaid action object-detecting device, said display device, and saidpermitting device such that when said registration device registers theat least one job, an image forming device which should execute imageformation according to each of the at least one job is selectively setfrom said plurality of image forming devices, and the start of executionof the job is permitted in association with the set image formingdevice.
 13. An image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 10, furthercomprising a management device connected to the plurality of imageforming devices for management thereof, and wherein said managementdevice has incorporated therein said registration device, said actionobject-detecting device, said display device, said permitting device,and said control device.
 14. An image forming apparatus as claimed inclaim 2, wherein: the at least one job comprises a plurality of jobs;the image forming apparatus further comprises a process configurationdevice that performs configuration of processes by the image formingdevice according to a mode associated with each of the at least one job;and said action object-detecting device comprises a measuring devicethat measures an ambient environment value representative of an ambientenvironment of said image forming device, a holding device that holdsthe ambient environment value measured by said measuring device whensaid process configuration device performs the configuration of theprocesses, in association with the processes configuration, and adetermining device that compares the ambient environment value held bysaid holding device in association with the configuration of theprocesses by said process configuration device for each of the at leastone registered job with the ambient environment value measured by saidmeasuring device, and determines, based on results of the comparison,whether or not it is necessary to re-configure the processes, as theaction objects, already configured for each of the at least oneregistered job; and the image forming apparatus further comprises adisplay device that displays respective items indicative of processconfigurations associated with the at least one registered job inrespective different manners of display according to results of thedetermination by said determining device, and a permitting device thatpermits start of execution of the at least one registered job, whenconfiguration of the processes for jobs which require re-configurationof the processes already configured has been completed.
 15. An imageforming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein out of the itemsindicative of the process configurations associated with the at leastone registered job, said display device causes items indicative ofprocess configurations which do not require re-configuration, to beshaded in gray.
 16. An image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 14,wherein: said image forming device comprises a plurality of imageforming devices; and the image forming apparatus further comprises acontrol device that controls said action object-detecting device, saiddisplay device, and said permitting device such that when saidregistration device registers the at least one job, an image formingdevice which should execute image formation according to each of the atleast one job is selectively set from said plurality of image formingdevices, and the start of execution of the job is permitted inassociation with the set image forming device.
 17. An image formingapparatus as claimed in claim 16, further comprising a management deviceconnected to the plurality of image forming devices for managementthereof, and wherein said management device has incorporated thereinsaid registration device, said action object-detecting device, saiddisplay device, said permitting device, and said control device.
 18. Animage forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the at least onejob comprises a plurality of jobs; the image forming apparatus comprisesa plurality of sheet feeding devices that feed sheets to said imageforming device, and a switching device that switches between said sheetfeeding devices according to a mode associated with each of the at leastone registered job; said action object-detecting device comprises sheetfeeding number-of-time counting devices that are provided in associationwith respective ones of said sheet feeding devices, for counting numbersof times of sheet feeding from said sheet feeding devices, detectingdevices that are provided in association with respective ones of saidsheet feeding devices, for detecting respective numbers of sheetscontained in said sheet feeding devices, and a discriminating devicethat compares, for respective ones of said sheet feeding devices usedwhen all of the at least one registered job are executed, the respectivenumbers of sheets with respective required numbers of times of sheetfeeding to be counted by a corresponding one of said sheet feedingnumber-of-time counting devices, and based on results of the comparison,discriminates ones of said sheet feeding devices of which the respectivenumbers of sheets, as the action objects, are smaller than therespective required numbers of sheets, and ones of said sheet feedingdevices of which the respective numbers of sheets are equal to or largerthan the respective required numbers of sheets; and the image formingapparatus comprises a display device that displays items indicative ofthe ones of the sheet feeding devices of which the respective numbers ofsheets are smaller than the respective required numbers of sheets, anditems indicative of the ones of the sheet feeding devices of which therespective numbers of sheets are equal to or larger than the respectiverequired numbers of sheets, in respective different manners of displayaccording to results of the discrimination by said discriminatingdevice, and a permitting device that permits start of execution of theat least one registered job, when replenishment of sheets to the ones ofthe sheet feeding devices of which the respective numbers of sheets aresmaller than the respective required number of sheets, is completed. 19.An image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein one of thedifferent manners of display comprises shading in gray the items.
 20. Animage forming apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein: said imageforming device comprises a plurality of image forming devices; and theimage forming apparatus further comprises a control device that controlssaid action object-detecting device, said display device, and saidpermitting device such that when said registration device registers theat least one job, an image forming device which should execute imageformation according to each of the at least one job is selectively setfrom said plurality of image forming devices, and the start of executionof the job is permitted in association with the set image formingdevice.
 21. An image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 20, furthercomprising a management device connected to the plurality of imageforming devices for management thereof, and wherein said managementdevice has incorporated therein said registration device, said actionobject-detecting device, said display device, said permitting device,and said control device.
 22. An image forming system comprising: atleast one image forming apparatus; a management apparatus connected tosaid at least one image forming apparatus for communicationtherebetween, for managing said at least one image forming apparatus; aregistration device that is capable of registering at least one objectto be executed by said at least one image forming apparatus; an imageforming device that performs image formation according to each of the atleast one job registered by said registration device; and an actionitem-detecting device that detects items of actions necessary forperforming the image formation.
 23. An image forming system as claimedin claim 22, wherein: the at least one job should be executed within apredetermined time period; said action item-detecting device comprisesan adjustment item-detecting device that detects items of adjustment tobe executed for the image forming apparatus as the action objects, fromcontents of the at least one registered job; and the image formingapparatus further comprises a display device that displays an adjustmenttable describing the items of adjustment detected by said adjustmentitem-detecting device, an adjustment item-selecting device that selectsat least one item of adjustment on which adjustment should be executed,from the items of adjustment described in the adjustment table displayedby said display device, and an adjustment executing device that executesadjustment on the at least one item of adjustment selected by saidadjustment item-selecting device.